867N.001/11–546: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 5—3:20 p.m.]
9294. Colonial Secretary in statement to House of Commons today said that British Govt has decided to release Jewish leaders detained in Palestine and that following communiqué would be issued in Jerusalem today:
“In view of condemnation of terrorism embodied in resolutions announced at meeting October 29 of Inner Zionist Council which is accepted as an earnest of intention of Jewish Agency and representative of Jewish institutions in Palestine to disassociate themselves entirely from campaign of violence and to do their utmost to root out this evil, British Govt have concurred in the release by Palestine Govt of detained Jewish leaders.”
Colonial Secretary said that he was sure House would share his hope that this action would lead to an improvement in the security situation in Palestine or help to restore conditions in which progress can be made towards the general settlement which is so urgently necessary.
Colonial Secretary then said that release has also been approved of Palestinian Arabs who have been undergoing detention and that following announcement was being made this afternoon by the Palestine High Commissioner:
“British Govt have now fully considered representations made to them by Arab delegates to Palestine Conference on subject of Palestinian Arabs detained in the Seychelles. In light of these representations and as a gesture of goodwill at this time when important decisions on future of Palestine are in the balance, they have decided [Page 722] to release these detainees and to permit their return to Palestine along with two other Arabs formerly detained in the Seychelles but already released on health grounds. In addition an amnesty is being granted by the Palestine Govt to certain other Arabs.”