PEACE FIRST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1936, Page 7

PEACE FIRST.

PALESTINE CRISIS. Order to be Restored Before Commission Sits. ACTS OF VIOLENCE CONTINUE. British Official Wireless. (Received 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, June 9. Mr. W. Ormsby-Gore was cordially cheered on rising in the House of Commons to answer questions for the first time as Secretary for the Colonies. He gave a comprehensive reply to questions on the situation in Palestine. He said he much regretted tiiat the improvement observed before the recess had not been maintained. "The authorities are faced with a continuing series of acts of violence in many parts of the country. The Government of Palestine is taking all possible action to protect life and property, and further emergency powers are being taken by proclamation.

"The troops in Palestine have been further reinforced. I should like to take this opportunity, which is the first I have had since assuming oflice, to express my personal concern for the welfare of all sections of the population in Palestine, and my confidence that on the basis of the recommendations of the Koyal Commission, which the Xing will be advised to appoint when order is fully restored, a means will he found within the framework of the mandate with its dual obligations to establish lasting peace and contentment among the people of Palestine."

Asked about the personnel of the Royal Commission, Mr. Ormsby-Gorc replied that the Government had no intention of appointing a Royal Commission or of publishing any terms of reference until law and order had definitely been restored and acts of violence prevented.

A statement which appeared in the Arabic Press suggesting that the High Commissioner for Palestine was prepared to suspend immigration, is entirely devoid of all foundation.

A cable dispatch from Jerusalem states that with the 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regiment, British troops in Palestine now comprise seven battalions, or 7ieiirly two brigades, but disorders continue, including incendiarism, roadside ambushes, and also bombs thrown in Bethlehem.