MOVE BY JEWS TO JOIN TALKS

Chronicle (Levin), 18 September 1946, Page 5

MOVE BY JEWS TO JOIN TALKS

Press Assn.-

BELIEF THAT ARAB OPPOSITION HAS KILLED PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY PLAN

By Telegraph

-Copvriqht

Received W-ednesday, 10.50 a.m. LONDON, September 17. Three leadeus of the Jewisli Agency exeentive have heen aiithorised to propose to Mr. Bevin Jewish partieipation in the London eonfercnee on Palestine, says Reuter's diplomatic correspondent. A spokesman said the three leaders, Dr. Nalium Goldman, Rrofessor Brodetsky and Berl Locker, may see Mr. Bevin as soon as they return from Paris, to whieh city they fiewr for eonsultation with the ehairman of the Jewish Agency, Dr. David Ben-Gurion.

The correspondent understands the agency executive believes that the British plan for provincial autonomy has been killed by Arab opposition, and that the time has now come for a discussion of alternatives, including a partition, whieh has the agency's support. In Jerusalem a Jewish Agency spokesman said: "From this end it looks as if the British Government is prepared to reconsider its decision regarding the leaders detained in Latrun Camp." It is stated in London that Scotland Yard is taking special precautions after reeeiving an anonymous communication, threatening certain Jewss who are members of a non-Zioriist group that their lives would be endangered if they attend the Palestine conference. The Palestine Higher Committee is going from Jerusalem to Alexandria on Friday, in response to an urgent summons by the Mufti, to discuss the situation regarding the London conference.

The Arab Higher Committee exe6utive secretary, Hussein Khalidi, said this did not mean that the Palestine Arabs were reeonsidering their decision not to attend the London talks. The Mufti would not go to London even if asked, but an invitation to him was specifically necessary. The Arab Higher Committee sent a letter to General Sir Alan Cunningham, High Commissioner for Palestine, demanding the dissolution of the Jewish Agency and all other Jewish organisations "directing terrorist activity," the control of all Jewish funds, and the carrying out of death sentences against Jews found guilty of terrorism, and also collective fines on the Jewish population to compensate for damage caused by terrorists. ^ ! The letter said: "If the Jews persist in criminal provocation the Arab Higher Committee will be bound to suggest that the Arabs prepare to defend their lives and property without depending on the forces of the Government."