FOR SOLUTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 11

FOR SOLUTION.

JUSTICE AS BASIS. Task Of Conference Outlined By Mr. Chamberlain. DELEGATE LEADERS SPEAK. British Official Wireless. (Received 2 p.m.) RUGBY, February 7. In a speech of welcome to the Arab delegations, Mr. Chamberlain said: I 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 be a safeguard of the rights and position of the Arabs in Palestine. "Their presence implies recognition on our part of the community interest and sentiment which characterises the Arab world, and I trust it may also be' regarded as an assurance on the part of Kgypt and the Arab countries represented here of their desire to maintain mid strengthen the bond* of friendship, J which have for m> long united them with ithe British people." I When Britain first announced her intention to invite representatives of Aruba and Jews to separate discussions, it was made 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. Malcolm Mac Donald.

Colonial Secretary, in the House of I Commons in November, representatives of Britain would not commence the proceedings by laying down any basis for discussion not would they offer their own views until both the Arabs and Jews in their separate discussions with the Government had been given full opportunity for putting their case. Unhappy Events Deplored. "I need hardly say 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 I that peace and prosperity will soon be I restored.

"The problem before us is difficult. Tt has sometimes been called insoluble. Hut the more difficult the problem, the more I am convinced of the importance of personal contact between the men of influence concerned. It is a 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. It is difficult not to doubt, but surely it is not beyond the capacity of our united powers." The Arab people no less than the British had a proud and ancient history, but while 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.

Delegates' Spokesman. Following Mr. Chamberlain, epeeches were delivered in reply by Prince Mohamed Abdul Mn:eim and Prince Saif Ulislam al Huseein. Speaking for tlie delegates from Arab countries, the Egyptian repre«eptative. Prince Moneim, expressed gratification at the opportunity for co-operating in the restoration of security and peace in a country sacred to many, and to which he and his fellow delegates from Arab countries were attached by bonds of common sentiments, mutual interests and other binding ties. He said that their presence in England bore testimony to their friendly disposition toward* Britain, and afforded the best proof of the.r goodwill They hoped the discussions mi«ht produce a fair and equitable solution of the Palestine problem, and would result in strengthening 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. Augury for Success. The Yemen representative, Prince Hussein, also drew a good augury for the success of the discussions from air. Chamberlain's presence. Addressing the Prime Minister, he said: "The superb spirit with which you solved the most intricate problems in the recent international affairs is one upon which we depend to a very great extent for a solution of the long-delayed Palestine question." He added: "The Yemen highly appreciates and indeed admires the sublime spirit which inspires your wonderful solutions of present problems one year after another." Mr. Chamberlain also made a speech of welcome to representatives of the executive of the Jewish Agency and Jewish communities from Palestine, South Africa, the United States and elsewhere. The speech followed closely the lines of that addressed to the Arab delegates. Replies were made by Dr. Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency, Mr. Benzvi, on behalf of the Jewish population in Palestine, Rabbi Wise, for the Jews in the United States, and Lord Reading. Jewish Leader Speaks. Dr. Weizmann said that the aspirations of the Jewish Agency had always been for peace in Palestine. They had endeavoured through the difficult years since the Palestine Mandate had been Anally approved by the League Council to maintain co-operation with the British Government, which has always been the corner-etone of their policy, and they were approaching the present task in the same spirit. Rabbi Wise recalled how American Presidents, notably Mr. Woodrow Wilson and Mr. Roosevelt, had voiced the American people's sympathy with the noble undertaking of the British Government to facilitate the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. Lord Reading, speaking for those who might take a slightly different view from that of the official representatives of the Jewish Agency in approaching the problem, said that they were, nevertheless, at one in recognising the vital need for the restoration of peace in Palestine, and hoped to make a contribution in common with their ' colleagues towards a settlement just to ' the Jews, fair to the Ara.be and worthy of Britain.