A warning against “high expectations” concerning the forthcoming informal talks between leaders of the World Zionist movement and representatives of the British Government, which may be started here next week, was voiced today by Dr. Emanuel Neumann, vice-president of the Zionist Organization of America and a member of the World Zionist executive.
Commenting on reports that the British Government intends to propose the partitioning of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, Dr. Neumann said: “The basis for such reports is far too slight to make them a subject of serious discussion. Generally, I would caution my fellow Zionists and the Jewish world against unfounded speculation regarding the intentions of the British Government. I would most certainly caution them against raising high expectations concerning developments in the near future. Optimistic forecasts often lead to disillusionment.”
Dr. Neumann doubted that it would be necessary for Dr. Abba Hillel Silver to come to London now. “I know that Dr. Silver is prepared to come on the shortest notice to London or to any other place where his presence may be required, but I doubt whether it will be necessary for him to come at this time to London. Nothing has changed, as far as can be judged, since the Zionist Congress, either for better or for worse.”
A Foreign Office spokesman today denied rumors that the Palestine conference, which is scheduled to resume here next Tuesday, will be postponed. He admitted, however, that the opening session may be delayed for several days due to the fact that some of the Arab delegates may not arrive here in time.
No final decision with regard to participation in the conference has been taken by the executive of the Agudas Israel organization here, it was learned today. However, spokesmen of the organization will meet next week with Colonial Secretary Arthur Creech-Jones for informal talks. Habbi I.N. Levin, chairman of the Jerusalem executive of the Agudas Israel, is expected in London to join in the discussions.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
