USE OF FORCE POSSIBLE

Southland Times, Issue 22913, 11 June 1936, Page 5

USE OF FORCE POSSIBLE

Control Of Arabs JEWISH IMMIGRATION PROBLEM ARABS’ GENUINE ALARM

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.45 p.m.) London, June 10. The Jerusalem correspondent of The Times says that the arrival of military reinforcements suggests that the Government will no longer count on the moderating influence of the Arab leaders to restore order but will depend primarily on the forcible repression of violence. Nevertheless, it is doubted whether military action alone is capable of producing conditions in which the establishment of a Jewish national home can be continued satisfactorily, says the correspondent. There iff ample evidence of genuine alarm created among all classes of Arabs by the rapid increase in Jewish immigration in recent years, and even admitting the effects of agitation and intimidation, there is not the slightest' doubt that ? .the present movement of resistance is morally supported by the Arab population. With the arrival of the second battalion of the Cheshire Regiment, the British troops in Palestine now number seven battalions, or nearly two brigades, but the disorders continue, including incendiarism and roadside ambushes, while bombs were thrown at Bethlehem. The statement which appeared in the Arabic Press suggesting that the High Commissioner for Palestine was prepared to suspend immigration entirely is devoid of all foundation, states a British Official Wireless message. Mr Ormsby-Gore Speaks. The new Secretary for the Colonies (Mr W. G. Ormsby-Gore) was cordially cheered on rising in the House of Commons to answer questions for the first time in office. He gave a comprehensive reply to questions on the situation in Palestine and said that he much regretted that the improvement observed before the recess had not been maintained. “The authorities are faced with a continuing series of acts of violence in many parts of the country," he said. “The Government of Palestine is tak-> ing all possible action to protect life and property and further emergency powers are being taken by proclamation. The troops in Palestine have been further reinforced. I should like to take this opportunity, which is the first I have had since assuming office, to express personal concern for the welfare of all sections of the population in Palestine and my confidence that ways will be found within the framework of the mandate with its dual obligations, to establish lasting peace and content among the people of Palestine.”

Asked about the personnel of the Royal Commission, Mr Ormsby-Gore replied that the Government had no intention of appointing the Royal Commission or of publishing any terms of reference until law and order had definitely been restored and acts of violence prevented.