175.1/41: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Jerusalem ( Cobb ) to the Secretary of State

Reference capitulations: Chief Justice Palestine Government has verbally informed me that our capitulations are not in accord with the Palestine order in council (enclosure to my despatch no. 1018, September 6, 19223) and Attorney General has verbally informed me local government cannot force him to comply with instructions of the Chief Secretary, referred to in my despatch no. 1104, March 3, 1923, though lower courts have and are continuing to do so. [Page 222] Article 87 of the aforementioned order in council authorizes High Commissioner to amend order in council but for political reasons it appears inexpedient to local government lest other nations who have not successfully maintained their capitulations might be offended. It appears necessary that action to this end be taken through London.

Cobb
  1. Not printed.