Neither Arabs nor Jews are likely to approve the Govern-
ment's decision, but by far the bitterest attacks will come from the Jews, whose declared ambition it has been to increase immigration till the Arabs become a minority in Palestine. The Balfour Declaration, promising the Jews a National Home in Palestine, warrants no such submergence of the Arabs, who could never be expected to tolerate it. Under the Government proposals the Jews will form not far short—if short at all—of the 40 per cent. of the population which so wise and far-sighted a Jew as Viscount Samuel has declared to be reasonable. And their general ability and economic strength will give them a dominating position in the country. But the opposition to the proposals by Jews both in and out of Palestine is certain to be fierce, and it has to be recognised with regret that it will make for anti-British feeling in the United States on the eve of King George's visit. That is unfortunate but inevitable, and the Govern- ment has no doubt.reckoned with it. Jews and Arabs having failed, in the London Conference, to reach agreement between themselves, the Government was compelled to im- pose its own solution. Its action will at least put an end to uncertainty and drift. Weakness now would be disastrous. The Government, having framed its plan, must stick to it, and it is entitled to the support of men of all parties who realise that larger questions than the purely Arab or the purely Jewish are involved in a settlement in Palestine.
