Downfall Of British Policy In Palestine

Chronicle (Levin), 31 January 1949, Page 5

Downfall Of British Policy In Palestine

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter*

Gosyright)

Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 29. Britain, Belgiura, the Netherland:-? and Luxembourg have decided to give de faeto recognition to Israel. A British Foreign Office spolcesman said arrangexnents would be made for an early exchange of diplomatic representatives. ' ' The question of de jure. recognition will be considered in duo course in the light of the establishment of Israel 's future frontiers and the general development of the Palestine situation, ' ' said the spokesman. . " De Caeto recognition does not imply recog.lition of any specific frontiers. It is ihus without prejudice to the settlement of Israel 's frontiers, which remain ro be carried out under United Nations authority. "hlany questions arising out of Brirains former position as a tnandatory Power, remain to be discussed. These questions include, firstly, the interoational obligations undertaken by Britain which have not yet been handed •A'fer to any other authority; secondly, concessions granted by the Palestine Jovern'ment previous to the termination )f the mandate; thirdly, financial quescions arising from the iiquidation of .he Palestine Government on tli.e endiiig of the mandate." Mr. I. J. Limton, temporary representative of the Israeli Government iu London, called 011 Mr. Ernest Bevin at. the Foreign Office to discuss the exchange of diplomatic representatives. Mr. Limton described the meeting as very cordial. In Tel Aviv, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Moshe Shertok, said he regarded British recognition of Israel as a sign of the downfall of Britain 's Palestine policy.