Palestine Overture
The forces which, for better or for worse, are going to shape the future of Palestine are coming into play one by one. The anger and disgust of the Arabs at the decision on partition taken by the United Nations has so far expressed itself only in sporadic beatings and stabbings. Behind these lies the statement of Dr. Hussein Khalidi, on behalf of the Arab Higher Executive, to the effect that organised large-scale operations will begin in due time, and the pro- nouncement of the ex-Mufti (made with a characteristic twist) that the time for major riots is not yet. The Jews have been singularly quiet, either from a new-found sense of responsibility or because they are preparing for military action. In contrast with all this the British policy is developing with remarkable rapidity. The date for laying down the mandate has been fixed for May isth, 1948; it has been decided to hand over the policing of the Jewish town of Tel Aviv to the Jews themselves and to withdraw British and Arab police ; and there are signs of preparation for the operation of with- drawal. The Commons debate on Palestine will doubtless produce more evidence that the British Government, having set its course, will not look back. And that being so, attention must inevitably be transferred to the other external forces which are due to take part in the next crucial stage—the United Nations and the United States. There is no point in ignoring the fact that they present a depressing spectacle. The reluctance which the United Nations has always shown to take note of this question is now expressing itself in delay in nominating the representatives composing the committee of five which is supposed to execute the partition scheme. The United States, while showing concern over the newly realised danger to the to,000 Americans in the Middle East, is giving no sign of The realisation of the need to back partition with armed force. And Mr. Herschel Johnson has made the remark, which coming from anyone else would be incredible, that discussion of the Security Council's part in carrying out' partition would be premature and extremely unwise. This, of course, is the exact opposite of the truth.
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