BRITISH POLICY ON PALESTINE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25308, 7 October 1947, Page 7

BRITISH POLICY ON PALESTINE

COMMENT BY WEEKLY JOURNALS (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, October 5. Comment in the weekly press agrees that although Britain’s decision to quit Palestine is an admission of failure it is the only possible decision in the circumstances. The “New Statesman,” however, argues that the Government’s statement. contrary to the general opinion in Britain, settles nothing. . “It does not fix a date for evacuation, explain how it is to take place without considerable bloodshed, or what measures are proposed to transfer power to Jews and Arabs,” it says, “Britain is still left with the appalling problem of what to do while the mandate is being wound up. It is no use -’asting British lives preventing illegal emigration into the Holy Land if on the day following evacuation all restrictions are removed.” The “Economist” shys: “The possibility of no agreed solution being found prior to the British evacuation must be faced, but in this event the EHtish Government should stand firmly by its decision to withdraw its ttoopg. “If the United Nations ig faced by an impasse, pressure upon Britain to remain will undoubtedly increase, but it must be resisted at all costs. The United Nations can only be brought to face its responsibilities in Palesr tine if Britain makes it plain that she is determined to withdraw. Far from modifying its decision the British Government should immediately announce th# date of evacuation.”

The “Spectator” arrees that the responsibility for dealing with Palestine has now been placed squarely upon the United Nations and that Britain cannot contemplate a continuation of the present situation.