Correspondence re: Palestine, 1936

Totah believes: The fence set up by Britain between Palestine and Syria should be taken down. The creation of an Arab Union would aid settlement of the Middle East. Many returning from Iraq found pro-Nazi sentiment was said to be due to Zionism. When asked about a German ascendancy, some said better that which they do not know than that which they have known for 20 years. Arab public is said to prefer the British to the French in Syria. Informed the British must show their good faith to the Arab world and this would aid peace in Palestine and consequently the Arab World. (draft letter)

Hopes for lasting peace and brotherhood in the Holy Land. Feels he can count on support of the Quakers in achieving this.

Claims Palestinian economy has been suppressed due to a three week labor strike, though initial bloodshed has ceased. Arab transportation has stopped, though Jewish buses do appear to be running with police escort, and school life is disturbed; even at Ramallah they were forced to send pupils home due to food shortage. Arab “demands” are blamed for stopping Jewish immigration, sale of land, and the formation of a legislative council, which the Jewish peoples are said to oppose. Arabs express resentment over the British policy of filling Palestine with Jewish immigrants. Palestinians see negotiations occurring with British in Syria, Iraq, and Egypt, so why not Palestine. The High Commissioner Arthur Wauchope is committed to establishment of a legislative council. Feels Friends -- Watching Committee -- could help and should approach Jewish leaders in London.

Asks Totah if it is entirely fair to characterize British policy as “filling Palestine with Jewish people”, since Arab population is increasing even more than Jewish. Agrees that opposition to legislative council is a mistake. Speaking for other members of the [Palestine] Committee, feels it would be most helpful if Totah worked for peace and better understanding while in Palestine.

In the present turmoil, some have said that the Arabs heavily advocate for military force, but the “satisfactory” colonization of Iraq “disproves” that. Gives a variety of supposed reasons for present unrest. States he feels badly for the Jewish People and sympathizes with their desire to have a homeland, but they have not been happy in Palestine for 16 years, and require British military support.

About the state of war in Palestine. There are over 10,000 British troops and over 2,000 police. Much description of current situation. Reports school has been closed and they have not the funds to pay teachers and other workers.

Reports on the extrajudicial murders of 8 unarmed people by soldiers and other political issues. Includes a list of incidents.

Together with Daniel Oliver, trusts that the Higher Arab Committee and the Grand Mufti will help to bring the present strike to an end.