QUELLING THE ARAB REVOLT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 8

QUELLING THE ARAB REVOLT

The opinion that the British Government has contemplated taking decisive steps to restore order in Palestine is to-day fully confirmed, on the authority of the War Office. It has become regrettably clear that unless sufficient troops are sent to quell the Arab revolt there will be grave danger of extensive trouble of the kind in Transjordan, Saudi Arabia and Irak. Hope of a quieter atmosphere in which friendly negotiations can proceed has gradually died during recent weeks. British patience seems to have been mistaken for weakness. Even now, when Britain's decision to send reinforcements has become known to the Arab leaders, their turbulence has defiantly increased. To send a force strong enough to impose martial law is therefore an urgent duty, in the interests of the Arabs themselves. The alternative would be, in the circumstances, a violation of the mandate. A larger measure of constitutional freedom has been offered, and the offer stands, supported by an invitation to discuss it afresh in all its bearings. Apparently, the position has been made worse by the unauthorised intervention of Nuri Pasha, Foreign Minister of Irak, who volunteered a promise of British concessions if the Arab disturbances ceased. This also seems to have raised the insurgents' expectation of compelling terms in accordance with their own demands. On such a basis no finality can be reached in consonance with the mandate. The Secretary for the Colonies has expressed the Government's determination not to be moved by violence or outrage, and the attitude of the rebel leaders has made imperative the firmer military measures now announced. That the display of adequate force will succeed in its purpose of making martial law unnecessary is to be earnestly wished.