Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1949. BRITAIN AND ISRAEL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 79, 13 January 1949, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1949. BRITAIN AND ISRAEL

The crisis that has arisen between Britain and Israel is grave from more aspects than one. In the first place, Britain’s prestige in a key strategic area is at stake, and in the second the events preceding the shooting down of five .aircraft regrettably add to the signs that the United Nations Organisation is destined to disappoint the hopes that brought about its formation. Even if the issue lay only between Britain and llsrael there would be cause for viewing the matter with great gravity, but the seriousness of the position is intensified by unsettled conditions elsewhere. T-hc tragedy of Palestine is that Jews and Arabs alike have nullified all Britain’s endeavours to solve a most difficult problem. Her control of Palestine under mandate and her policy since the ending of .the mandate havejbeen based on respect for international law and order. Mistakes have undoubtedly been made, but they were honestly made, with the desiie of holding the scales evenly. The danger that threatens can best be avoided if the United States cooperates fully with Britain in acting on a policy, combining resoluteness with justice to all parties concerned.