MIDDLE EAST

Grey River Argus, 16 March 1945, Page 7

MIDDLE EAST

LONDON, March 1. In his speech on the Crimea talks Mr Churchill said that it should not be thought that in Egypt anything m the nature of a general conference on Middle Eastern affairs took place. The fact that the Regent of Iraq and the Emir Abdullah Qf Transjordania were not present should make this perfectly clear. There was no question of shaping a new policy for the Middle East, but rather of making friendly personal contacts by which public- business between various States was often helped. He thanked Ibn Saud for his spontaneous, steadfast, unswerving loyalty to Britain and the common cause, and he expressed the hope that when the war was over good arrangements would be made for securing th e peace and progress of the Arab world and generally of the Middle East. ’Britain joined with the United States, which was taking an increasing interest in that area', and which would be able to play a valuable part in proving the truth of the declaration of free trade, “all legitimate interests are in harmony.” Mr. Churchill also expressed pleasure at meeting the Emperor of Ethiopia. He said: We had a discussion with President Shukli, of Syria, in which we did our utmost to enjoin a friendly attitude towards, the French and encourage negotiation of a suitable settlement with the French, affecting not only Syria, but also Lebanon. I must make it clear once and for all what is the position of the British Government in ■ respect to Syria and Lebanon and in relation to our French ally. That position is governed by the statement made in 1941 in which the independence of those Levant States was definitely, de- , Glared by Britain and France. . We are determined to respect the independence of those • States and use our best endeavours to preserve their special position in view of the many cultural and historical connections which France has so long established in Syria. We trust those States will be firmly established by the authority' of the world organisation and the French privilege will also be recognised. However, I must make it cipar it is not for us ftlone to defend by force either Syrian or Lebanese independence or French privilege. We seek both, and we do not believe they are incompatible.” He expressed grief and horror at the assassination of the Egyptian Prime Minister, and said there was little doubt the security measures in Egypt required tightening. The Egyptian Government, Britain thought, acted rightly and wisely in declaring war on Germany and Japan and signing the United Nations declaration: “We did not press the Egyptian Government to come into the war, and indeed on more than one occasion our advice had been to the contrary.” He said they were also very glad to welcome Turkey into the ranks of Allied nations. The Turkish Government has aided in various ways, and we never had the slightest doubt where their hearts lay. Turkey was welcomed by Britain into the ranks of the United Nations, and he did not consider the ties renewed between the two countries after the last war had been in any way impaired. Speaking of Greece, he said; There is no subject in my recollection on which the policy of the Government has received a more complete vindication, nor ha's there been any on which greater prejudice and misinterpretation has been poured out against them in the United States. He was sure, that Britain has rescued Athens from a horrible fate, and “I, beliece the Greek people will long acclaim our actions, bo'th military and political. Peace without vengeance has been achieved, a great mass of arms has been surrendered, most prisoners and hostages have been restored, and the work of 'bringing in supplies and food has resumed. The popularity of the British troops and those who have been connected with the course of the policy is very high. The difficulties, however, are not over. The Greek National Army has still to' be formed, the Greek Budget has to be balanced and drachmas restrained within reasonable limits. Raw material to allow work to be started must be made available and a sense of unity and responsibility has to grow stronger among the Greek people. The future of Greece is in them hands. They must not expect that the whole process of their restoration can be ac-

complished by British experts or American assistance.” . Mr. Eden was unable to bring home to the Greeks that financial and economic problems must take first place and they must on no account sit back and leave those tasks to foreigners. Referring to the election, he said this must be held as soon as possible, and must be fair, with a secret ballot, and on the basis of universal suffrage. “I look forward to it with the greatest confidence, and I must say how much I welcome the wish of the Greek Government that Russian, British and American observers should be established free on the spot to make sure the will of the people finds complete, sincere expression.” Mr. Churchill said there had been a misunderstanding of British policy in Italy; as expressed in the American Fress. He had repeatedly asked noth Mr Roosevelt and Mr S'tettinius whether or not there were any complaints by the United States Government against Britain for any steps taken or not. taken in Italy. He received categorical assurances there were none. He mentioned proposals he had for militating the severity of the Allied occupation in -Italy, and the hard lot of the Italian people. He said: ‘‘l am not prepared to accept suggestions from any quarter that Britain has fallen behind other nations in taking a generous view towards Italy. This has been accepted! by the United States, or at any rate in all responsible quarters, and was thoroughly endorsed by Mr Stettinius.” Mr, Churchill said they could look forward to Italy returning under a truly democratic regime to a community of industrious peace-loving-nations. In her efforts to .’teip herself Italy could count upon Allied goodwill, and sucsl material aid as was at our disposal and she would continually receive her fair share Reminding the house he had said Italv must work her passage. Mr. Churchill added: “She has some way; to go yet."