יומנים > יומן - מלא 19/05/1920

{P001} {0178-49} 19 May 1920 ------------ In reply to your No 2894 of 16 May I regret that I cannot alter the decision given in my previous communication to you. I represented your arguments to field Marshal the Viseount Allenby who endossed my decision that such an Assemb by is unlawful and illegal, under the laws and Usages of war a laid down for the guidance of the Military Occufrant O.E.T. para (1) of your letter: I understand that the Provisional Assembly which first met in June 1918 was in no way a constitutional elected body but merely an informal meeting of nominated representatives to discuss purely informal matters. Para (2) AS far as this head-quarters is concerned no permission was asked to hold these elections nor was any thing known of the matter until the election had taken place. {0178-50} Para (3) There is no record of this administration being warned as to the holding of such an Assembly last September. Para (4) The general prohibition holds good in all cases. The laws was not drawn up so as to remove the possibility of any pressure being brought to be bear by the power in Military Occupation on the inhabitants of the country but to enable the Military Occupant who is assuming the authority of the late ruler of the state to retore and ensure as far as possible public order and safety, respecting at the same time, unless alesolutely prevented, the laws in force in the country. It cannot be accepted that the holding of such an assembly is respecting the status quoante bellum. Approval for the nomination of members of the Z.C. in this country has up till now been in the hands of the Foreign office and I have no information altering that policy. Para (5) It is hoped that these explanations when conveyed to the Jewish people will satisfy them as to the propriety and legality of my proccedure. L. J. Bols Mayor General Chief Administration