OBLIGATION ON U.N.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 13 December 1947, Page 5

OBLIGATION ON U.N.

PALESTINE FORCE NO BRITISH TROOPS MR. BEVIN'S COMMENT (10.3 C a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 12. If Britain’s negotiations with the United Nations move more quickly than expected, Britain would fix a date earlier than May 15 for relinquishing the Palestine mandate, said the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, in the debate on Palestine in the House of Commons. Mr. Bevin made it clear, however, that May 15 would be the latest date. He said that removal from Palestine of “implements of war” was receiving priority. “We shall not leave any dangerous toys,” he added.

Replying to criticisms of the British administration, Mr. Bevin said he believed that if the Government had been left without interference from outside an agreement could have been reached. The Government came very near to getting an agreeement, only to have the cup dashed from its lips. It was bitter to have to face this. He believed that the Arab feeling had been underestimated. “We Will Take Our Corner.” The Government was not going to oppose the United Nations’ decision, “but it was for the United Nations to find the force.” He could not use British organised force dr a be a party to putting the British force under any other command. Mr. Bevin said that Britain would take its share the Security Council decided for collective enforcement action in Palestine. ' “When the scheme is finally worked out, .then we will take our corner,” he added. Mr. Bevin added that it had been decided to withdraw —at the same time as the British forces—units of the Arab Legion which had been serving under the British general officer commanding under a long-standing ' arrangement with the King of Transjordan. -