The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1939 INDEPENDENT ARAB STATE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20743, 1 March 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1939 INDEPENDENT ARAB STATE

Britain's reported intention to end the Palestine mandate and eventually to create an independent Arab State will not cause much surprise among those who have followed closely the development of the situation in the Holy Land. Agreement between Arabs and Jews at the London conference was not expected, and it was inevitable that Britain would have to disclose her alternative plan. The plan envisages an interim period in Palestine, with the establishment of a Legislative Assembly giving representation to both Arabs and Jews; the creation of an independent Arab State at the end of the interim period; then a treaty with Britain on the lines of the treaties with Egypt and Irak. The scheme has been rejected by the Jews but has caused rejoicing among the Arabs.

In spite of the Balfour Declaration promising a national home for the Jews, Britain has found it difficult morally and unwise strategically to foist Jewish settlement on an unwilling Arab race. The Arabs have flatly refused to make room for the Jews in a land they call their own. Is there any escape from the facts of the situation ? All the sympathy in the world for the persecuted Jews cannot justify the ousting of the Arabs in Palestine in their favour, providing the Arabs can prove their own sovereign rights in the Holy Land. The Balfour Declaration represented a fine ideal, but did it take the cold facts of the situation into consideration ¥ Even allowing for the fact that the Arabs’ objection to the influx of the Jews was fomented from outside sources, Britain has been compelled to face the facts as they are and to attempt to end an intolerable condition of affairs in Palestine. If the Arabs have established their rights in the country they must remain in possession. Whether Britain intends to look elsewhere for a national home for the Jews is not yet clear, but the reported terms of the alternative scheme indicate that some sort of future for the Jews now in Palestine is contemplated; hence the provision for representation of the Jews in the Legislative Assembly. These may possibly be the seeds of further trouble, but the Arabs have intimated that they are prepared to recognise a Jewish minority.

If satisfactory provision can be made for the Jews the new Palestine scheme will be welcomed throughout the Empire. Friendship with the Arabs, who wield considerable influence in the world situation, is particularly valuable to Britain. Across a vast belt of country in southern Asia and Europe and Northern Africa, Arab interests arc associated very closely with Britain and France. Italy, too, is seriously concerned, and with Germany has long been angling for the goodwill of the Arabs. Signor Mussolini has gone so far as to proclaim himself “Protector of Islam.” Little doubt remains that if Britain compels the Palestinian Arabs to submit to invasion by the Jews, British influence in Islamic affairs will suffer seriously. Thus in settling the Palestine trouble Britain has to consider both the moral and the strategic issues.