MacDonald White Paper of 1939

Definition

The MacDonald White Paper of 1939 was a policy document issued by the British government that aimed to address the escalating tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine. It proposed limiting Jewish immigration and land purchases in response to Arab opposition, effectively reversing previous commitments to support a Jewish national home as stated in the Balfour Declaration of 1917.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The MacDonald White Paper proposed that only 75,000 Jewish immigrants would be allowed into Palestine over the next five years, reflecting the British government's attempt to appease Arab opposition.
2. The document emphasized that after this five-year period, further Jewish immigration would only occur if the local Arab population consented, signaling a shift in British policy.
3. The White Paper effectively nullified commitments made in the Balfour Declaration, leading to disappointment among Jewish communities and increasing tensions with Arab populations.
4. The MacDonald White Paper was met with widespread criticism from both Jewish leaders, who saw it as a betrayal, and Arab leaders, who felt it did not adequately address their national aspirations.
5. This policy document played a critical role in shaping the political landscape of Palestine leading up to World War II, setting the stage for future conflicts and discussions about statehood.

Review Questions

• How did the MacDonald White Paper of 1939 attempt to balance the interests of Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine?
  • The MacDonald White Paper sought to balance interests by proposing restrictions on Jewish immigration and land purchases while still acknowledging the presence of a Jewish national home. By limiting immigration to 75,000 over five years and requiring Arab consent for future immigration, the British aimed to alleviate Arab concerns while trying to maintain some level of support from the Jewish community. However, this attempt at balance largely failed as both sides felt their needs were not adequately addressed.
• Evaluate the immediate reactions of both Jewish and Arab leaders to the MacDonald White Paper and how it influenced their subsequent actions.
  • Jewish leaders strongly opposed the MacDonald White Paper, viewing it as a betrayal of promises made in the Balfour Declaration, which fueled their determination for increased immigration and support for a Jewish state. Conversely, Arab leaders welcomed some aspects but criticized it for not fully addressing their aspirations for independence. The contrasting reactions intensified divisions between both communities, leading to further conflict and political mobilization on both sides as they sought to assert their claims over Palestine.
• Assess the long-term implications of the MacDonald White Paper on the future of Palestine and its people.
  • The MacDonald White Paper had significant long-term implications for Palestine, as it set a precedent for British policy that prioritized Arab concerns over Jewish aspirations. This shift contributed to increasing resentment among Jews, ultimately fueling their push for statehood after World War II. Additionally, by failing to find a workable compromise between both groups, it laid groundwork for ongoing conflict that persisted throughout the 20th century and shaped contemporary issues surrounding Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Related terms

Balfour Declaration: A statement issued by the British government in 1917 expressing support for a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine.

Arab Revolt: A nationalist uprising by Arab Palestinians against British colonial rule and Jewish immigration in the late 1930s, which influenced the MacDonald White Paper's proposals.

Partition Plan: A proposal to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, which emerged later as a solution to the conflict following the MacDonald White Paper.