[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] _ SIH, — The secrecy and
. delay which have distinguished the negotiations leading to a .final. decision on the subject of the Dead Sea tend to spread a suspicion of unhealthy machinations
on the part of some person. So far, it appears that the most important fact has been overlooked Who are the owners and what are their wishes ? The owners are the inhabitants of Palestine and Trans-Jordania. Surely, then, some notice should be taken of what the Trans-Jordanian Government think about the question and also some attention paid to the Arabs of Palestine and their opinions on the exploitation of their property The Colonial Office must not omit to recall that England is not the owner of the Dead Sea. In the terms of the conces- sion the Colonial Office must make it apparent to the Eastern owners that their country is not going to be exploited for the benefit of everybody but themselves. To avoid even a semblance of suspicion on this point it would be wise to allow representatives from Palestine and Trans-Jordania to confer on the rival offers. The Egyptian Government, whose country will be so intimately associated in the benefits, should also be given an opportunity to present its views.
In its final selection of the concessionaire the Colonial Office must be confident that there will be no world monopoly of potash, for if there were such a monopoly the benefit to the world at large and the owners in particular would be infinitesi- mal. The concessionaires should offer :—(a) Potash at a greatly reduced price to the whole world, not only on account of this process but on account of the good distributing centre.
(b) A high percentage of profits for the native owners.
(c) That every facility will be given to employ the Arab, not only in ordinary manual labour, but in technical positions where he proves himself efficient.—I am, Sir, &c., 23 Cork Street, W. 1. R. GORDON CUMMINO.
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