Mr. Attlee Speaks To Arabs

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1946, Page 5

Mr. Attlee Speaks To Arabs

, Press Assn.

solutlon not impossible

By Telegraph

-Copyright

Received Tuesday, 11.25 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 10. "The state of unrest and disturbance in Palestine cannot he permitted to continue but I do not believe it 1s a problem to which no solution is possible," said Mr. Attlee when addressing delegates from the Arab countries at the opening of the Palestine conference. Mr. Attlee said the discovery of such a solution was a high test of statesmansmp. xne ±sritisn oovemment's plan was worthy of consideration hut the Governnient was not committed to it. Any delegation coula suggest amendments or make clifferent proposals. The Governnient desired full, frank and free discussions. He suggested too much tinie should not he devoted to discussing past history. No plan which failed to give due weight to the existing situation was likely to provide a solution. It was important to recognise that no settlement was possihle unless each commiuiity proposeci t'o take account of the other's interests and make the concessions necessary for peace. Palestine could not he treated hy isolation hut must he regarded agaiust a wider hackground of world' policy. Palestine was only a tiny country hut everything that happenect therein had reaetious over a far widei sphere. Mr. Attlee said Britain and the Arahs were associated in a natural partnership, tlie harmony whereof was sometimes threatened from the impact of Palestine events. He hoped the conference would remove that .danger hy a frank explanation of the difficuities and search for a solution. Palestine was the only country wherein there was conllict in principle between British policy and Arab aspirations. The Arabs* national revival was not completed hy the attainment oi political independence. Arah states now liad an opportunity for the inauguration of important economic developments wlierefrom the common people of their countries could greatly benelit and which would increase their strength and stahility. The British Governnient would do everything possible to lielp the Arahs' economic expansion and social progress. He regretted tliat Palestine Arahs were not present hut was sure the delegates present were adequate and eli'ective representotives.