Proposals for the Future of Palestine

In attempting to resettle the “tragically few survivors of European Jewry,” it is suggested that a significant number of displaced persons will need to be absorbed in Palestine. It is suggested that two provinces be set up, one Jewish, the other Arab, and that within twelve months 100,000 Jews from the D.P. camp should be allowed to enter the new Jewish Province of Palestine. The United States Government would be willing to defray the cost of transportation. There follows proposals put forward by the Arab States Delegation to the Palestine Conference and the proposals submitted by the British Delegation. The conclusion drawn by the British Government is to “provide for Jewish immigration, at a rate of 4,000 monthly, for a period of two years. This would guarantee the entry of approximately 100,000 additional Jewish immigrants” (p. 13). Needless to say, the miniscule territory alloted to the Jews, coupled with less than full sovereignty within that territory, were clearly unacceptable to the Zionist leadership. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, rejected the Morrison federal plan “without hesitation or reserve, in principle and in detail” (The Palestine Post, Dec. 10, 1946)