MOSLEMS AND PALESTINE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 28 December 1936, Page 11

MOSLEMS AND PALESTINE

Indian Moslems have been following with attention events in Palestine. Resolutions have been passed at public meetings, some of them of an extremist character. A good deal of interest has also been displayed on the subject in Hindu nationalist circles. A deputation of 28 Moslem leaders, headed by Sir Mohammad Yakub, a member of the Legislative Assembly, waited on the Viceroy last month and submitted an address explaining their point of view. The Viceroy’s reply was lengthy and detailed, and may be expected to have a steadying effect on Indian Moslem opinion. It has had hitherto a favorable reception in the Press. His Excellency made it clear not only that His Majesty’s Government had been kept constantly informed by the Government of India of the state of Moslem opinion here about the Palestine problem, but that he had been in frequent personal correspondence on the subject with the Secretary of State for India, Lord Zetland. The conflict which had arisen in Palestine was political and racial rather than religious. The operation of the mandate had been beneficial to the Arabs, whose population had increased since 1922 by well over fifty per cent. The steps taken now for enforcing law and order in Palestine were entirely separate from the merits of the matters to be investigated by the Royal Commission. His Majesty's Government had made it clear that the meaning they attach to the phrase “Jewish National Home” was not the imposition of Jewish nationality upon the inhabitants of Palestine. Concluding, the Viceroy said: ’’l would appeal to you, gentlemen, representing as you do responsible Muhammadan opinion throughout India, to remove any impression on the part of the members of our great community that their attitude is not appreciated by the Government of India, or that it has not been represented to His Majesty’s Government; and to your great influence to ensure that in dealing with this subject, which so deeply affects the religious susceptibilities of many, the maximum of restraint shall be observed. You are <oo well acquainted with public life for it to be necessary for me to emphasize how often the task of Government in advancing, a good case is hampered by over-state-ments, or by pressure at an inappropriate time, from sections of a community who are not fully seized of the positon as a whole; and I am confident that I can look for your support in securing that balanced approach which is best calculated to promote the results which you are concerned to bring about.”