PALESTINE ISSUES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25055, 20 November 1944, Page 6

PALESTINE ISSUES

TERRORIST ACTIVITIES MR CHURCHILL'S STATEMENT LONDON, Nov. 18 Mr Churchill, in a statement in the House of Commons on the assassination of Lord Moyne, formerly British Minister Resident in the Middle East, said the whole future of Zionism depended on the extirpation of Jewish terrorists. Not only the British authorities but the entire Jewish community must do their utmost to bring them to justice. The Prime Minister, after referring to Mr Eden's full statement on the assassination, said: "This shameful crime has shocked the world. It affected none more strongly than those, like myself, who in the past have been consistent friends of the Jews and the constant architects of their future. Future of Zionism

"If our dreams of Zionism are to end in the smoke of assassins' pistols, and our labours for its future axe to produce a new set of gangsters worthy of Nazi Germany, many like myself would have to reconsider our position," Mr Churchill continued. "We have maintained so consistently and so long in the past that if there is to be any hope of a peaceful and successful future for Zionism these wicked activities must cease, and those responsible destroyed root and branch.

"The primary responsibility must, of course, rest with the Palestine authorities. Under the British Government those authorities are already engaged in an active and thorough campaign, against the Stern Gang and Irgun Zvai Leumi. In particular, the Palestine police have been loyally and effectively carrying out their duties in tho midst of constant dangers. Many Arrests Made

"A number of persons suspected of active complicity in terrorist activities was arrested, and on October 19, 251 were deported from the country, where their presence, with the possibility of a large-scale attempt at rescue, could only lead to increased insecurity. Since then numerous further arrests have been made, including those of some wanted terrorists.

"I am satisfied that the Palestine authorities have all tho powers necessary to deal with the situation," stated ilr Churchill. "They will, with the help of the military and close co-operation of the General' Officer Commanding-in-Chicf, intensify their activity. However, it will be realised that, although the primary responsibility is that of the Government, full success depends upon the wholehearted co-operation of tho entire Jewish community. This the British Government is entitled to demand and receive. Jewish Leader's Assurance

"I have received a letter from the president of the World Jewish Organisation, Dr Chaim Weizmann, a very old friend of mine, who has arrived in Palestine. He assures me Palestine Jewry must go to the utmost limit of its power to cut out this evil from its midst. "The Palestine executive of the Jewish Agency, he states, calls upon the Jewish community 'to cast out the members of this destructive band, to deprive them of all refuge and shelter, to resist their threats, and render all necessary assistance to the authorities in the prevention of terrorists' acts and to the eradication of the terrorist organisation.' "These are strong words," Mr Churchill concluded, "but we must wait for these words to be translated into deeds. We must wait and see that not only the leaders, bat every man, woman and child of the Jewish community does his and her utmost to bring this terrorism to a* speedy end." COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS SUPPRESSING TERRORISM Reference to the determination of the great body of Jews in Palestine to suppress terrorism was made yesterday by Dr S. Lowy, representative in Australia and New Zealand of the Jewish Agenc.v for Palestine,- who is visiting Auckland. Since 1936 there had been created in Palestine an atmosphere fraught with great danger, Dr Lowy continued. During the Arab riots the Jewish population resisted any attempt to be provoked into retaliation. The White Paper of 1939 was a great blow to Palestine Jewry, and in the House of Commons voices were raised declaring that it would be regarded as a reward for Arab terrorism. A further blow to morale was inflicted when, in 1940 and 1941, Jewish victims of Hitlerism were refused entry to Palestine and perished on boats which were to bring them to the freedom of the "Land of Promise." He believed about 90 per cent of the Jews in Palestine had relatives in Hitler Europe, and many suffered from severe nervous strain as a result. "Other incidents may also have been interpreted by a small band of hotheaded youths as acts of injustice toward Palestine Jewry, which has frequently appealed for the immediate rescue of the remnant of European Jewry," said Dr Lowy, who put the number of these youths at not more than 500. "However, the sacred commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' is an integral part of Jewish moral and ethical conceptions, to which Jews have adhered for thousands of years. Moreover, history has proved that terrorism is a dastardly weapon which recoils upon those who do not actively participate in its eradication. It must and will be eradicated in Palestine, with the active co-operation of the Jewish people. At the same time a favourable solution must be found for the future of Palestine, because the Jews in that country, and with them all friends and wellwishers of the 'National Home,' are hoping and praying that the Jews remaining in Europe will find a home there. For this great ideal Palestine Jews are fighting in all European theatres of war."