EVENTS DEPLORED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 196, 1 June 1945, Page 3

EVENTS DEPLORED

DEBATE IN COMMONS. desire for early settlement S - (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 31. “I am sure the House wil agree with me in deploring these events, and will share my hope that once order is restored we shall be able to resume the diplomatic initiative of which I spoke last night, and arrange a peaceful settlement satisfactory to the parties concerned,” said Mr Anthony Eden, in the House of Commons.

“Wfc also have in mind, of course, arrangements by which the Syrian and Lebanese Governments will be associated with these discussions. We are in closest touch with all the Governments consernetl, including the United States Government. I am sure the House would not wish me to say more about the diplomatic arrangements we contemplate at this moment. “I feel sure the House will also share my opinion that nothing should be said at this stage which would make the diplomatic initiative more difficult.” Mr C. R. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, said: “I am sure everybody will agree in deploring these events and in deploring bloodshed between our Allies. In the circumstances we have no option but. to endeavour to restore order. I ask the Foreign Seeretarg to agree that if we can get this settled up, the sooner we can get French troops and our own out of Syria the better.” r \ Mr Eden: “I am in pntire agreement with everything you say. Our desire throughout has been to settle this troublesome business, and I think it is abundantly clear to all, and I underline it, that we desire to withdraw our troops the moment a. settlement can be reached.” Mr Eden added that the House would understand how intensely anxious the Government had been to avoid this very situation. “We did not act until our over-all responsibility was so serious. We simply had to act or stand by and see a situation develop which would have shamed us all. There is no one more anxious than I am to see that this matter does not re-. suit in any serious injury to AngloFrench relations, and if our French friends do as we have asked them repeatedly, and hostilities cease, they will be welcomed in London, and we shall do our utmost to make the con ference a success.” Full Support of Labour. Lord Woolton, Acting-Leader of the House of Lords, made a statement similar to Mr Eden’s, after which Lord Nathan, speaking for Labour peers, said: “I-agree w r itli Lord Woolton that in a situation of such delicacy it would be most unwise to make any comment without opportunity for due reflection, and "without further information which is not now available. There is not one of us in any part of the House who does not deplore the unhappy position confronting us. We must hope that wise and friendly counsel may yet be accepted by all. interests concerned, and that the situation will be speedily and satisfactory resolved. The British Government may rely on the support of Labour in all steps to allay passion and restore order in the areas affected, and to ensure the safety of the lines of communication.” „. .. , Lord Samuel said that friction between the French and Syrians unhappily was not new. Those who knew the delicate situation in that part ot the world, and how disturbances might spread like wildfire over laige areas, were deeply concerned at the present condition.