Evening star., 1947-12-01
British Hear Abdu||ah
May Seek Annexation
Of Arab Palestine
Nv the Associated presx

LONDON, Dec. l. Speculation
arose today that King Abdullah
might seek to Incorporate Arab
Palestine into Trans-Jordan and,
as a consequence of British support,
might give Britain rights to bases
in the port of Jaffa, Palestine.
An authoritative source said
Britain is discussing with Abdul
lah's kingdom the possibility that
it's Arab Legion might police the
Arab section of partitioned Pales-
tine after Britain lays down its
League of Nations mandate over
the Holy Land. The British relin-
punishment is scheduled for before
August /. the United Nations dead
line for the withdrawal of British
troops.
Legion Includes 5000.
The Arab Legion, according to
the Statesmen's Year Box, includes
5000 men, comprising military
police and prison forces. Giving it
the responsibility for law and order
in the Arab sector of the neighbor-
ing Holy Land apparently would
be designed to provide a peaceful
transition to the time when an
Arab authority could be set up .un-
der U. N authority 1t would give
protection to British pipelines and
other interests in the Arab terri
tory.
Formations of the Arab Legion
already on service in Palestine
recently were redeployed to strategic
positions in the projected Arab area.
A strong force has been sent to
Jaffa, where for years British troops
had been responsible for peace.
The central figure in the Trans
Jordan talks is reported to be Alex
Kirkbride, this country's minister in
Amman and one of Britain's most
powerful Middle East policy makers.
immigration Policy Stands.
The Foreign Office spokesman
said he could deny ANY agreement
had been reached between Britain
and Trans-Jordan on the subject
But he said he was not prepared to
rule out the possibility that. "in-
formal" talks on the future of Arab
Palestine, and on the role of the
Arab Legion. may have been held.
The spokesman said Britain's
policies. toward Jewish immigration
remain unchanged pending sur
rondnr 0f tho mandate
A Colonial Office spokesman said
the exact date for surrender of the
mandate had not been determined
THE mandate will end the day
we surrender it," he said, adding
that British forces still in Palestine
then would "go into their shells
and take no further part in en-
forcing law and order.
Arab Office Here to Close.
"We are pledged to get our last
man out by next August l." the
spokesman said, "but we are not
pledged to any activity by oul
forces in the meantime, once the
mandate has been surrendered.
United Nations deadline for sur.
render of the mandate also is Au.
gust l.
Meanwhile Musa Bey Alami, di-
rector of the London Arab Office
said that because of American "ar-
rogance" the Arabs would close
Offices they have maintained ir
Washington and New York as cen.
tiers for propaganda and liaison
! with U. N. officials.
Bey Alami said that the closing
of the two offices was one of many
readjustments" made necessary by
the United Nations decision to- par.
tition Palestine. He added that the
| partition decision had made wal
inevitable" between Arabs anc
Jews.
Jews in London voiced the hops
that the U. N. decision would helr
bring peace to the Jewish people.