Attitude Of Jewry To Palestine Lawlessness Criticised By Minister

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1947, Page 7

Attitude Of Jewry To Palestine Lawlessness Criticised By Minister

(Recd. 11.25 a.m.) LONDIN, August 12. The British Administration in Palestine had to deal with lawlessness condoned by Jewry, said the Colonial Secretary, Mr A. Creech Jones, in the House of Commons, replying to the debate on a motion for adjournment. He added that the Haganah had done a great deal of helpful work, but denunciation of terrorism was valueless unless the Jewish community acted relentlessly to eradicate it. The Jewish Agency had not given full co-operation and at times had grossly misrepresented the British policy.

The Arabs had shown restraint. He hoped they would not demonstrate their displeasure with the somewhat aggressive attitude which the minority of the Jews were assuming. The High Commissioner and the military had the fullest powers to respond to any situation. He condemned the outbursts of anti-Jewish feeling in Britain. Jewry, not only in Palestine but in other parts of the world, had condoned and actively assisted illegal immigration. Since Britain had referred Palestine to the United Nations terrorism had harmed the Jewish cause.

“We are all experiencing how strong is the reaction of British opinion in our own country,” he added. “There z are fierce questionings about the burden and cost to Britain of having to shoulder this international liability.”