The Bay of Plenty Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1946. WORLD POLITICAL TURMOIL NOW ENDING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 13977, 4 February 1946, Page 2

The Bay of Plenty Times MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1946. WORLD POLITICAL TURMOIL NOW ENDING

With the close of the war it seemed that the nations had precipitated themselves into political turmoil, which threatened at times to become very serious. The Indonesians suddenly put forth demands for independence and did not seem prepared to secure that independence through negotiation with the Dutch. They preferred to adopt terror methods, and there was therefore an unnecessary waste of human life and serious crimes. There now appears to be a lull in that part, of the world, and it is obvious that Indonesians have discovered that terrorism and the spilling of of blood is not the way to achieve national independence. With terrorism removed it would be possible for the proverbial round table discussions and the whole matter amicably settled, and although Indonesians might uot'get all they want'immediately, they would be on a fair way of securing complete success.

Then we pass to Palestine. The Jews seem anxious, and what is more, determined to make Palestine the home of the Jewish race. Really,- one can scarcely blame them for the aspiration, for Palestine and the Jews have been associated ever so long. The Jews of to-day, however, have thought i,t possible to enforce their demands without regard to the rights of others. The Arabs have unquestionably a right to Palestine through centuries of occupation and they resent being displaced by the Jews. It is the belief of some that if the Jews are permitted to reoccupy Palestine it would be beneficial to Jews and Arabs alike and to the world at large. However, the Jews have gone to work the wrong way to secure their ends. Terrorism such as they have practised can get them nowhere. They must surely realise that the English-speaking peoples are desirous that the Jews should make their home in Palestine, but the British and Americans cannot ignore the rights of the Arabs, and the Arabs themselves seem determined not to have the Jews foisted upon them. This is a problem that time alone will solve. But the terrorism in Palestine appears now to have subsided and the Jews will probably, avoid harsh measures pending the report of the Anglo-American Commission of Inquiry. The Greek turmoil has also subsided, if it has not altogether ended.

The most recent political disturbance has been in the General Assembly of the United Nations. - Russia, in an endeavour to keep A in the forefront, has been making charges and counter-charges. For example, Mr Peter Fraser dealt strongly with a Russian delegate, and as a reprisal the Moscow radio accused New Zealand of ill treating the Maoris. With the passing' of time the sanity of the people is returning and there is hope now that conditions will improve.