STOLEN LAND

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 124, 19 February 1941, Page 7

STOLEN LAND

Italian-Arab Problem In Cyrenaica

WEIGHING THE CLAIMS

( By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright J

1. ON DUN. February 17

Trouble between Italian settlers in Cyrenaica ami Arabs over the ownership of land presents a problem for the British military administration. says a " I imes correspondent at Benghazi

The Italian settlers are returning to their farms, hut much of their land had been simply stolen I rum Arabs, who are already trying to gel their own back. There lias been some looting, and the Arabs "ill certainly drive out the Italians it they are allowed to do so. .Moreover, part of tile occupying army is an Arab force recruited from Libyan deserters ami refugees, whom the Arabs regard as defenders of tlie national cause. On tlie other hand, the Italians have greatly developed the country and added' considerably to its economic resources.

The British udmiiiisl ration, as in Palestine, must judge between the two races with care and weigh claims of economic- expedience against those of elementary justice. General Sir Maitland Wilson, the Military Governor, lias established a military administration in the chief towns, but it is expected that it. will bring in experienced Italian ami Arab officials, many of whom would willingly resume their posts nutlet the British.

Benghazi i.~ suffering from the evacuation of the wealthiest citizens. The banks and the chief shops have closed down, but the smaller shops and the principal hotels are transacting a considerable amount of business with the British soldiers.