MR ARAFAT, who visits Britain this week, has presided over something
of a miracle: the tentative understanding with Israel which has so
dramatically altered the prospects for peace in the Middle East. His
part in that effort deserves much credit even though it was not the only
part -- the Israelis are taking a gamble too. Britain's role in
Palestine is more historic than contemporary, but the history is
dramatic. It includes the Balfour Declaration of 1916 which first used
the phrase ''Jewish national home'' and the British holding of the
League of Nations Mandate for Palestine which ended only after the
Second World War. Arab opinion has always been critical of that role, in
spite of the almost permanent pro-Arab bias in British Middle Eastern
diplomacy for the greater part of this century. The history is
unalterable but it should not be an impediment to good relations with
the new Palestinian state, especially when there is so much that this
country can contribute to some aspects of its success.
Stories of Ottoman gold held by the Treasury and destined to be handed
back to Mr Arafat's Palestinian National Council are almost certainly
far-fetched, but the Government might be more helpful in providing
trained administrative personnel in areas where the Palestinians admit
to being seriously deficient. The community best placed to provide such
aid is, of course, Israel -- but it is asking too much to expect such
transfers to occur so soon. Much time may be needed to heal the deep
bitterness felt on both sides. The peace agreement is a fragile
construction. There are divisions inside British Jewry about the wisdom
of their representatives meeting Mr Arafat at all. Yet he will be met:
the
hope which triumphed in Norway, and then the Knesset, as well as in
Palestinian counsels has affected British Jews too.
Few people, whatever their precise position in this debate, will be
unaware of the forces militating against it. Many violent efforts will
be made to undo it, by groups on both sides. That both lots of
extremists oppose it may be the best guarantee that it is broadly right.
Words are always better than bullets for the most simple reason -- they
can be reconsidered. And they can carry advice without bullying. In that
respect the Brit
ish Government should, like Mahmoud Abbas, try to encourage Mr Arafat
to promote Palestinian democracy.
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