BRITISH PLAN REJECTED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 148, 18 March 1939, Page 11

BRITISH PLAN REJECTED

No Basis For Further Discussion PALESTINE JEWS RETURN HOME Arabs Also Dissatisfied By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copy right. LONDON. March 16. It is understood that the Jewish Conference Committee has decided that the final British proposals on Palestine, which were announced yesterday, do not offer a basis for further discussion or aggreement. The Jewish delegates are returning home tonight.

Opposition by the Jewish delegates to the plan was the sequel to a prolonged discussion today. It is understood that the Jews oppose restriction of immigration as a breach of the mandate pledge.

They also oppose the implication that the consent of the Arabs is necessary for further immigration after five years and resent Arab predominance on the advisory and executive councils.

The Zionist view generally is that the plan relegates the Jewish population to a permanent minority status. The Jewish National Council in Jerusalem has issued a statement urging unity, responsibility, and discipline among Jews, “who will shortly begin a political struggle for the fate of Jewry in the Homeland.”

The Arabs are also believed to be dissatisfied, but will decide finally on March 17.

It is understood that the British plan provides for a transitional period dependent, on peaceful collaboration between the Arabs and the Jews. During this period an Executive Council, composed of British executive officers, some nominated by the Arabs and the Jews, will act as Ministers without portfolios, while a nominated Advisory Council, on which the Arabs and the Jews will be represented in proportion to population, will carry on the government under the British High Commissioner. Future developments will be decided in Palestine when the populations are reconciled. Jewish immigration is limited to 15.000 a year for five years, after which the question will be reconsidered.