JEWS’ OBJECTIONS NOT MODIFIED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 9

JEWS’ OBJECTIONS NOT MODIFIED

Precautions In Holy Places In Palestine (British Official Wireless.). (Received March 12, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, March 12. The contents of a letter from the Jewish delegation to the Palestine conference in reply to the British suggestions, which have now been received by Mr. MacDonald, Colonial Secretary, have not been published, but it is understood that they give n 0 indication of any modification of the Jewish objections to these suggestions. Mr. MacDonald tonight met informally some of the Jewish delegates and discussed the situation. The Arab delegates will visit Portsmouth tomorrow as the guests of the Admiralty. Meanwhile, individual acts of violence which still occur in Jerusalem have necessitated enhanced precautions for maintaining the sanctity and decorum of the Holy places.

Recently a preacher of the El Agsa Mosque was murdered in the city of Jerusalem and British troops outside Haram Esh Sharif were lived upon by terrorists within the sacred enclosure.

Though no British troops of any description have been stationed in Haram Esh Sharif, it has been found necessary to obtain permission from religious authorities of Haram to locate a small police post in a room rented for the purpose, but all proprieties suitable for the sanctity of the locality are strictly observed and the police are entirely withdrawn at the time for Friday prayers. No British soldiers have at any time occupied any mosque in Jerusalem, whether inside or outside Haram Esh Sharif.