Evening star., 1949-01-26
by the Associated Press

AOto1A4jL L OIC1N0
cate Approval of Coalition Re-
e1me. Page Ar
BY the Associated Pres.
LONDON, Jan. 26.-Foreign
Secretary Bevin said today that
Britain is withholding recogni-
ton of Israel until she has dis
cussed it with commonwealth
nations and her allies under the
Western European treaty.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Bevin told the
House of Commons the Labor gov
ernment lis not going to be deferred
an inch" from its policy toward
Palestine.
II fighting between the Israelis
and Arabs should break out again,
Britain will find it very difficult to
stand by Indifferent and inactive, %
Mr.. Bevin said.
The Foreign Secretary said he ex-
poets to nave the replies from the
Commonwealth countries and the
Western European allies within a
few days. Allied with Britain in
that pact are France, which already
has recognized Israel Belgium, the
Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Recognition Considered.
we have felt that to plunge into
recognition in the way that was sug-
gested would not help us with the
Arabs to contribute to a peace set
uement," Mr.. Bevin said.
"Now that the armistice talks are
at last proceeding, the government
have considered whether the time
has come when de facto recognition
might contribute to peace and set
tlement.
II am glad to say that the United
States Government have indicated
that they intend to recognize the
government of Trans-Jordan and
that is very material factor"
Mr.. Bevin said premature recog-
milton would have been 'misunder-
stood over q very wide area in
the Commonwealth" He cited the
Moslem populations in the Com
monwealth allied by religion to the
Palestine Arabs.
Mr.. Bevin said the recognition
issue will be discussed with the
Foreign Ministers of the Western
European union nations when they
meet here tomorrow.
Meanwhile, he declared, Britain
will continue her present policy
toward the Middle East question.
under which, he said I'VE have
steadily supported all the resolu-
tions Of the Security Council as
regards both sides in the Palestine
dispute"
Will Respect Obligations.
In belligerent mood, Mr.. Bevin de-
clared Britain has interests, obliga-
tions and responsibility in maintain
ing security and stability in the
Middle East and it is the deliberate
purpose of our policy to be faithful
to those obligations and to that
purpose"
Mr.. Bevin declared the Labor
government is working closely with
the United States to keep the Middle
East from becoming "a second Bal
kan area torn by internal dissen-
sions and the scene of international
rivalry"
Leaving no doubt that he re-
ferred to the threat of communism,
Mr.. Bevin said:
The Middle East Is buttressed
on the north by Turkey and Greece.
Turkey was one of the first
countries subjected to war of
nerves and Greece has to suffer 9
civil war fostered from outside.
All this affected the stability
and security of the Mediterranean
and Middle East itself.
"The aid and support which the
United States and we have been
able to give Turkey and Greece have
been an important contribution to
the stability and security of the
whole area"
Reviews Mandate History.
Mr.. Bevin reviewed developments
In Palestine after Britain took over
the area and under the 1917 man
date. Britain's objective through
out he said was to persuade the
Jews and Arabs to live together in
one state as the mandate charged
us to do" he added:
The State of Israel is now a fact
and we have not tried or done any,
thing to undo it.
"At the same time the tide of
Arab nationalism has been running
high. This has bitten deep into the
ordinary Arab people and it will
produce a very serious situation un-
less handled with very great care q"
MIR. Bevin said he thinks the Arabs
have "a cause that has got to be
considered" and Britain owes them
its gratitude for their help during
the last war.
Churchill to Reply.
Winston Churchill. leader of the
Conservative Party, was to reply to
Mr.. Bevin's speech. The Conserva
tive Party has ordered all its 2O2
House members to be on hand or
risk penalties.
Next in order on the list of speak,
tsee PALESTINE, Page A-41