SEEING JUSTICE TONE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 33, 9 February 1939, Page 7

SEEING JUSTICE TONE

BRITAIN’S DESIRE SEARCH FOR COMPROMISE A DIFFICULT TASK PREMIER’S SPEECH TO THE ARABS ( British Official WirelaM ] RUGBY, Feb. 7. In his speech of welcome to the Arab delegations, Mr. Chamberlain said:—“l am happy to see here not only the political leaders of the Arabs of Palestine but distinguished representatives of neighbouring countries who are co-operating with us in seeking a wise settlement of the present difficulties which will safeguard the rights and the position of the Arabs in Palestine. Their presence implies recognition on our part of the community of interest and sentiment which characterises the Arab world, and I trust it may also be regarded as an assurance on the part of Egypt and the Arab countries represented here of their desire to maintain and strengthen the bonds of friendship which have for so long united them with the British people.” When Britain first announced her intention to invite representatives of the Arabs and Jews to separate discussions, he said, it made it clear that opportunities would be given to both to state their views and proposals without any reservations. In conformity with the undertaking given by Mr. MacDonald in the House of Commons in November, the representatives of Britain would not commence the proceedings by laying down any basis for discussion, nor would they offer their own views until both the Arabs and the Jews, in their separate discussions with the Government had been given a full opportunity of putting their case. The Desire for Peace Proceeding, Mr. Chamberlain said that he hoped delegates would need no assurance that the object underlying the policy of Britain was the promotion of peace—“peace in our relations with European countries in which our interests are so closely interloc) ed, and peace in lands for whose administration we bear a special responsibility.” “I need hardly say,” he added, “how deeply Britain deplores the unhappy events in Palestine which have brought severe material loss, distraction of mind, and insecurity to every community there. We all have a deep and special attachment to Palestine, and surely we all carry in our hearts the fervent hope that peace and prosperity will soon .be restored. ‘‘The problem before us is difficult. It has sometimes been called insoluble. But the more difficult the problem the more I am convinced of the importance of personal contact between men of influence concerned. It is the task of statesmanship, when faced by what may appear to be a deadlock between two peoples to achieve a compromise on the basis of justice. This is the task before us—difficult, no doubt, but surely not beyond the capacity of our united powers.” The Arab people, no less than the British, had a proud and ancient history. But while they were not unmindful of their past, let them concentrate on the realities of the present, giving due weight to all essential facts and endeavouring to appreciate each other’s point of view.

I ARABS IN REPLY I AUGURY FOR SUCCESS MR. CHAMBEKLAIA’S EFFORTS [ British Official Wirelcs: ) Received Feb. 8, 5.5 p.m. RUGBY, Feb. 7. Following Mr. Chamberlain's address, speeches were delivered in reply by Prince Mohamed Abdul Moneim and Prince Saif ul Islam al Hussein. Speaking for the delegates of the Arab countries, the Egyptian representative, Prince Moneim, expressed gratification at the opportunity of cooperating in the restoration of security and peace in a country which was sacred to many and to which he and his fellow-delegates from the Arao countries were attached by bonds of common sentiments, mutual interests, and other binding ties. He said that their presence in Eng*land bore testimony to their friendly disposition towards Britain and afforded the best proof of their goodwill. They hoped the discussions might produce a fair and equitable solution for the Palestine problem and result in a strengthening o f the friendly bonds between their countries and Britain, and in establishing equally friendly bonds between Britain and Palestine. In this way, Mr. Chamberlain would make another important contribution to the cause of peace which he had so much at heart and which history would associate with his name. The Yemen representative, Prince Hussein, also drew a good augury for the success of the discussions from Mr. Chamberlain’s presence. Addressing the Prime Minister, he said: “The superb spirit with which you have solved most intricate problems in ecent international affairs is one upon which we depend to a very great extent for the solution of the long-de-layed Palestine quest ion,’• and he added: “The Yemen highly appreciates, indeed admires, the sublime .spirit which has inspired your wonderful solutions of present problems one year after another.” THE DEFENCE PARTY OFFER BY BRITAIN SEPARATE CONSULTATION I British Official Wirelees. J RUGBY, Feb. 7. The following is an oilicial statement regarding the composition oi the Arab delegations at the Palestine Conference which was issued to-day. “His Majesty s Government invited members of all political parties amongst the Palestine Arabi to come to London to take part in discussions on the future policy in Palestine. Efforts had been maue to arrange that these different parties should ah be represented on one delegation. These efforts have not succeeded so far, but the endeavours to reach an agreement are being continued. 1 “In the meantime, as a satisfactory settlement has not been reached, the ■ representatives of the Defence Party i informed His Majesty’s Government ‘that they would not attend the opening meeting of the conference this morning. The Government does not seek to take sides in any difference of opinion which may exist between the parties in Palestine. On the contrary, the Government is anxious that ‘every party should have a fair opportunity of expressing their views during the forthcoming discussions. i “The Government is glad of the opportunity to enter into free and l full consultations with the Palestine • Arab leaders selected from parties other than the Defence Party. In view of its anxiety to exclude no important section of opinion from the discussions, the Government will be glad also, if agreement on the composition of one Palestine delegation proves impossible, io hold a separate consultation with the delegation representing the Defence Party which