IN PALESTINE.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20262, 3 August 1937, Page 7

IN PALESTINE.

BRITISH PROPOSALS THE COMMISSION’S PLAN. A GRUELLING QUESTIONING. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Aug. 3, 11.30 a.m.) GENEVA, Aug. 2. Mr W. Ormsby-Gore underwent gruelling questioning for 3;| hours before the Mandates Commission on Britain’s plan for Palestine. He was asked about the position of minorities, the treatment of women, the possibilities of defenoe, and the composition of the Boundary Commission. The Commission arrived at a final decision with regard to its task. It will not make any pronouncement for or against partition, but will set out the advantages and disadvantages of five possible solutions—(l) The maintenance of the existing mandate. (2) A modification of the mandate. (3) Division into cantons, in the Swiss style. (4) The suggested partition. (5) Any other possibility arising from the discussions. Meantime certain Arab quarters here are pressing the idea of a roundtable Arab-Jewlsh Conference In Palestine, arguing that if ArabJewlsh parity is achievable Jewish emigration to trans-Jordan Is guaranteed and the necessity for partition would be obviated. THE PROPOSED PARTITION. GENERAL HERTZOG’S MISGIVINGS. PRESERVATION OF THE MANDATE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received August 3, li a.m.) JOHANNESBURG, August 2. General Smuts, in a message to the Zionist Conference, expressed grave

misgivings regarding the partition of Palestine, declaring that clashes between Jews and Arabs were of small importance by comparison with the international and strategic importance of preserving the British mandate over the Jewish national home.