The White Paper

The White Paper outlined British policy on several key issues, including immigration, land ownership, and the future political status of Palestine. It marked a significant shift from earlier British support for the Zionist project.

• Immigration Limits: The White Paper limited Jewish immigration to 75,000 over the next five years, with further immigration requiring Arab consent.
• Land Restrictions: It restricted Jewish land purchases in certain areas of Palestine, aiming to prevent further displacement of Arab populations.
• Political Future: The document proposed the establishment of a single independent state in Palestine within ten years, with power shared between Jews and Arabs.

The White Paper had a significant impact on Jewish-Arab relations, intensifying tensions as both communities saw the document as a threat to their national aspirations.

• Jewish Opposition: Zionist leaders condemned the White Paper as a betrayal of the Balfour Declaration and the Jewish people, leading to increased tensions with Britain.
• Arab Reaction: While some Arab leaders saw the White Paper as a positive step, others rejected it, demanding more immediate independence and complete cessation of Jewish immigration.
• Escalation of Violence: The restrictions on immigration and land purchases led to an escalation in violence between Jews, Arabs, and the British authorities.