by the Palestine Royal Commission

“ As regards immigration the Mandate has been fully implemented, but the attempts to regulate it have been unsatisfactory, unacceptable to Arabs and Jews alike, and accompanied by disconcerting variations in the number of immigrants.
5. In the matter of finance, the revenues of Palestine have increased rapidly, but far too large a proportion has had to be devoted towards meeting the charges of public security. Article 18 of the Mandate hampers the trade of the country. The apparently large surplus is little more than a reasonable balance for existing commitments. ”

“ They might reduce the inflammation and bring down the temperature, but they cannot cure the trouble, The disease is so deep-rooted that, in our firm conviction, the only hope of a cure lies in a surgical operation. ”

“ Progressive Jewish Municipalities are unduly restricted by Government rules and regulations. We recommend the appointment of an expert to advise the Palestine Government with a view to extending the powers of the larger Municipalities. ”

“ The attitude of, Arab officials precludes any extension of their employment in the higher posts of the Administration, including the Judiciary. Self-governing institutions cannot be developed in the peculiar circumstances of Palestine under the Mandate. ”

“ Whilst we believe that these grievances are sincerely felt, we are of opinion that most of them cannot be regarded as legitimate under the terms of the Mandate and we are therefore not called upon to make recommendations on them. It is only in regard to the last that we are able to suggest any remedy. We would welcome increased expenditure on Arab education, especially in the direction of village agricultural schools. ”

“ The restrictions which the Mandatory Power found it necessary to impose in the interests of rural boards or backward municipalities have been resented by the larger towns. The attempts to create a local legislature have been unsuccessful and should not be revived. ”

“ Arab Grievances. 8. The Arab grievances may be summarized en bloc as a repudiation of the Mandate and all that it implies, from which the following main grievances arise:—
(1) The failure to develop self-governing institutions. (2) The acquisition of land by the Jews. (3) Jewish Immigration. (4) The use of Hebrew and English as official languages. (5) The employment of British and Jewish officers, and exclusion of Arabs from the higher posts. (6) The creation of a large class of landless Arabs, and the refusal of Jews to employ Arab labourers. (7) Inadequate funds for Arab education. ”