REACTION IN BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26215, 27 July 1946, Page 7

REACTION IN BRITAIN

PUBLIC OPINION SHOCKED (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, July 25. British public opinion, shocked by the death roll in Jerusalem, has been convinced by the White Paper on illegal military organisation in Palestine that the Government took correct action recently in arresting prominent rhembers of the Jewish Agency. The White Paper was given wide publicity, and the overtone of comment is that firm action must be taken to meet the situation. On that point it is certain that the British Government will not be deterred in the slightest by such outrages as have occurred in Jerusalem.

Much interest is now being centred On the two-day debate which is being held in the House of Commons next week when Mr Attlee is expected to make an interim statement on policy. Public opinion has been angered by the tactics in Jerusalem, particularly in view of the sympathy and help that traditionally have been given by this country to the Jewish cause. Arabs Behaving Correctly

In contrast to the actions of the extremists in Palestine, it has not escaped notice or comment that the Arabs, who have equally strong views and opinions, have been behaving very correctly.

Newspaper comment declares that the Jewish Agency, whose function is to co-operatb with the Administration regarding a national home, has shown weakness in dealing with the terrorists, and must take a firmer line. The Times, commenting on the situation, says that when every allowance has been made for the emotions aroused among the Jews in Palestine by the sufferings of their co-religion-ists in Europe, it is impossible to acquit the agency of failure to recognise and avert the peril which terrorism presents to the interests not only of a national home, but to Jews in every country. Enemies of National Hopes

The Times adds that what is now needed is a sustained, vigorous effort on the part of the agency to convince the Jewish community in Palestine that the terrorists are the worst enemies of national hopes and aspirations, that their futile and murderous ingenuity will bring the whole cause of Jewry into disrepute without the slightest compensating advantage, and that their activities can only retard the efforts now being made by Britain and America to discover a just solution.

The Manchester Guardian says the Jerusalem catastrophe should immediately strengthen the position of the more moderate leaders, especially Dr Weizmann, who is free of the least taint of complicity, and whose honour and reputation stand high among statesmen. It should also deepen the rift known to exist between the Haganah and the terrorist Irgun and Stern groups. It adds: 11 Now is the time for the Jews to prove their good faith.”