CONTEXT On this day 78 years ago:
To the Editor of The Daily Telegraph
Sir,
The Dowager Countess Lloyd-George implies that we are reversing our policy and going back on our word to the Jews if we do not allow the homeless Jews of Europe to go to Palestine.
Our policy since 1939 has been that of the White Paper, which was based on the weighing up, for the first time, of promises made to Arabs and of the Balfour Declaration. Lord Maugham's Committee stated that the British Government "were not free to dispose of Palestine without regard for the wishes and interests of the inhabitants of Palestine." The Balfour Declaration was the only promise made to the Jews, and the establishment of a national home for the Jews in Palestine was viewed with favour only so far as it did not prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing population.
Various statements have been made by the Government that a Jewish State is not promised: various declarations to the Arabs qualify the extent of the Balfour Declaration. If there still be doubt that the latter has not been fulfilled, let an impartial, judicial body examine all the evidence available and let the matter be finally clarified
The Arabs object to the entry of more Jews into Palestine because they fear political domination if they are outnumbered by Zionists. The Arab League, however, have offered to accept more than their share of Jewish refugees on grounds of humanity into other Arab States where political fears do not arise.
Yours faithfully,
S. F. NEWCOMBE, Col.
London, SW7
(Dated 22.10.1945)
