Government Communique Says Immigration Ban Temporary Until Simpson Survey Ready

In an official communique of the Palestine government issued today with the approval of the British Colonial Office the suspension of immigration to Palestine is characterized as only a temporary measure invoked to protect the interests of the non-Jewish communities by making sure that during the period intervening the time when Sir John Simpson starts on his survey and the time when his report is completed immigration will not be such as to endanger the future of the country.

WILL NOT IMPERIL NON-JEWISH GROUPS

The communique also pointed out that the government is determined not to allow any policy to be pursued in Palestine that will imperil the future of the non-Jewish communities and it was on this account, and in view of the recommendations of the Shaw Commission that Sir John Simpson has been sent to make his investigation of land settlement and immigration problems in Palestine.

After repeating the communique of the Colonial Office issued in London upon the abrogation of the negotiations with the Arab delegation, the statement continues:

“Since the effect of meeting the wishes of the Arab delegation with regard to a democratic government would render it impossible for the government to carry out in full its responsibilities as a mandatory power and since despite the explanations and assurances by the ministers the delegation could not see its way to modify its attitude it became evident that this matter could not be usefully pursued any further.

WILL GUARD NON-JEWISH INTERESTS

“The conversations throughout were frank and friendly and accordingly ended, with the intimation, however, that having taken note of the Arab views the government would apply itself in the light of the first hand information obtained from these conversations to the problem of safeguarding in every way compatible with the mandatory obligations the interests of the non-Jewish communities in Palestine.

“In order that the non-Jewish interests be not prejudiced by the delay which must necessarily occur before a definite decision can be taken in light of Sir John Simpson’s report special measures are now under examination with a view to early action for the protection of the interests of the agricultural population and temporary measures have been taken with a view to ensure that immigration in the intervening period shall not be such as to endanger the economic future of the country.

“Fears which have been expressed in some quarters that His Majesty’s Government’s policy is likely to endanger the existence of the Arab community in Palestine are not justified. It is important that it should be widely known, in the general interests of the people of Palestine, that attempts on the part of misguided persons of whatever race or community to disseminate misleading information regarding the government’s intentions and to prejudice law and order in Palestine will be severely punished.

WILL CARRY OUT MANDATE DUTIES

“It is the government’s intention, as the Premier announced in the House of Commons April 3, to apply all the resources at its command to carry out the duties imposed by the Palestine Mandate.”