THE PALESTINE COMMISSION
Sra,—You rightly point out that there is no adequate reason for not admitting the United Nations Palestine Commission to Palestine at once, as the Commission could not possibly complete the formidable task of taking over within the fortnight to which the British Government would limit it. Although the Mandatory Power abstained from voting on the question of partition, it is inconceivable that it will not honour the decision of the United Nations. It is not only the peace of Palestine that is at stake, but the authority and stability of the United Nations, and Great Britain, as one of the Greater Powers, should surely not adopt a policy that would undermine them. When Mr. Bevin spoke in the Palestine debate in the House of Commons on December 12th, he said : "There that decision is of that world organism, whether we agree with it or not. It is on the statute book of that great organisation. May it be possible to implement it. If it is, and if my colleagues or I can render any assistance, with advice, with help, with our officials, with our administrative ability, with our historical knowledge, to smooth out the transition, to try to prevent the divisions from being widened—in other words to do anything possible to promote concord, friendship and amity between these,p4oples—we shall do it."
Surely the first step to the fulfilment of this promise should now be taken by admitting the_ Commission to Palestine without delay.—Yours faithfully,
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