PALESTINE REVOLT.

Evening Star, Issue 22441, 11 September 1936, Page 6

PALESTINE REVOLT.

TO TUB IDITOX. Sir, —Since my last letters on this subject, events in Palestine and movements of troops there have some bearing on the accuracy of my statements. If we also regard the remarks of a missionary recently returned from Palestine, who, when asked his opinions, refused to give them as reporters were present, may we not think for ourselves, and realise that the situation is perhaps worse than we are permitted to know P In my humble opinion there is another aspect to Britain’s action of moving troops nearer the Suez entrance, and, coupled with events in Egypt, we are able to form an idea of what is at the back of it all. The Egyptian settlement was perfectly timed. We must also remember our “ Empire’s diplomat ” in securing Turkey’s friendship, but even with these safeguards I fear the trouble in Palestine will land us in very serious difficulties just at the time of another conflagration in which Britain, against her will, may be involved. I believe the British authorities have in mind the formation of battalions, who may be useful in this important area, and may be relied upon as regards loyalty, but still the authorities persist in pouring immigrants in—something like 4,000 a month—yet expect the Arabs to cease their hostilities while Britain does not cease her irritating policy. We must, in dealing with Moslems, remember that in the British Empire there are many , millions of these. There are something like 70 millions in India alone who are bitterly opposed to their brethren being ousted by the Jews —for that is what it really is all about—and fear their competition with modern implements of agriculture. British prestige has been damaged before in the eyes of the Arabs, during the fall of Kut, which I was unlucky enough to be in, but the prestige was restored by the taking of Bagdad. The Palestine Commission would bo wise to act promptly and nip this trouble in

the bud by removing the cause, even while hostilities continue. —I am, etc., B. E. Kite. . September 10.