In reply to a request by the Jewish Communal Council here as to the significance of alleged recent structural alterations made on the Western (Wailing) Wall by the Moslem Supreme Council, Geoffrey MacLaren, deputy district commissioner, declared that a permit for certain repairs to buildings on the left side of the street leading to the wall and reconstruction of the part of a well had been approved by the government. He said the work was not held to affect Supplement. One to the Western or Wailing Wall Order-in-Council, 1931. MacLaren added that he had inspected the work and saw no new door opening. He affirmed that there was no infringement of the “status quo.”
The commissioner denied rumors that these buildings after completion will serve as a school or playground. Had this been the case, he said, permission would have had to be sought from the government director of education.
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