How Did The 1920 San Remo Conference's Decisions On Mandatory Palestine Influence The Subsequent Development Of The League Of Nations' Permanent Mandates Commission, Particularly In Regards To The Commission's Treatment Of Arab And Jewish Petitions For Self-governance, And What Implications Did This Have For The Trajectory Of Decolonization In The Middle East?

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The 1920 San Remo Conference significantly influenced the League of Nations' Permanent Mandates Commission, shaping its approach to Arab and Jewish petitions for self-governance and impacting decolonization in the Middle East. Here's a structured analysis:

  1. San Remo Conference and Mandate System: The conference allocated the Mandate for Palestine to Britain, incorporating the Balfour Declaration, which supported a Jewish homeland. This framework emphasized Jewish national rights, influencing the Commission's oversight.

  2. Permanent Mandates Commission's Role: The Commission was tasked with ensuring mandatory powers adhered to their obligations. While intended to be impartial, the inclusion of the Balfour Declaration likely inclined the Commission to view Jewish petitions more favorably, given the international endorsement of a Jewish homeland.

  3. Treatment of Petitions: Both Arab and Jewish groups sought self-governance, but the Commission's support leaned towards Jewish claims due to the Mandate's terms. Arab petitions for independence were often deferred, reflecting the Commission's prioritization of Jewish national aspirations.

  4. Impact on Decolonization: The Commission's approach delayed Arab independence, prolonging British control and contributing to regional tensions. This delay influenced the eventual partition of Palestine and the creation of Israel, complicating decolonization and perpetuating conflicts.

  5. Broader Implications: The Commission's handling set precedents for managing mandates elsewhere, highlighting the need for international oversight. Its decisions underscored the challenges of balancing competing claims, influencing post-WWII UN approaches to similar issues.

In conclusion, the San Remo Conference's decisions shaped the Commission's pro-Jewish stance, affecting Arab-Jewish dynamics and decolonization. This legacy contributed to the complex trajectory of Middle Eastern decolonization, marked by ongoing conflicts and delayed self-determination for Arab populations.