THE TRUCE IN PALESTINE

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 4

THE TRUCE IN PALESTINE

'THE truce in Palestine between the Arab and Jew is. in view of all the circumstances, being kept with remarkable good faith. Despite individual incidents there appears to be no concerted movement on either side to break down the agreement to cease fighting for a period of one month. If this truce can be maintained to a substantial degree there is an increasing possibility of some settlement being arrived at. Every day that passes with out a major break in the cease fire order strengthens the movements that make for an amicable settlement. It can be expected that on both sides there will be breaches of the truce, but as the opposing forces have been suffering from trigger itch for a considerable time these events must be expected, but they should not. lie magnified into major operations. The maximum of demands will also be publicised by the contestants, the Arab claiming that the whole of Palestine shall remain Arab, while the Jewish protagonists will, claim that they intend to hold what they have now. It is in the nature of Orientals to overstate their demands and to whittle them down during subsequent discussion and bargaining and this trait can be expected to be very much in evidence during the discussions that are being promoted by Count Bernadotte. Where the true bargaining line will be drawn cannot be foreseen, but it is to be hoped that it will represent some concessions on both sides. If it is believed by either the one side or the other that by playing an astute game they may secure outside aid, then that side will be tempted to be less amenable to reason. If on the other hand either side b told frankly that the matter must be settled by themselves or a decision will lie made by other interested nations, which decision will be enforced, the ultimate result may be that both Arab and Jew will be busily engaged undermining whoever is sent into the country to enforce the decision. The Palestine problem is not easy of solution either from the standpoint of the contesting parties or from that of those Powers who would be mediators. In the time of the Emperor Augustus, Palestine was known as the Grave of Reputations: it promises today to live up to its ancient title.