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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1947.
BRITAIN TO QUIT INDIA
MR ATTLEE
Petroleum Pipeline Blown Up
Jerusalem, Feb. 20.
BY JUNE 1948
Momentous Statement By The Prime Minister
MOUNTBATTEN NEW VICEROY
London, Fob, 21.
The British government set a time limit of June 1948 to its rule in India to-day with a warning that unless quarrolling Moslems and Hindus agree on a representative government, power will be turned over to provincial governments in a divided India.
The Prime Minister, Mr Clement Attlee announced the first definite date for Britain's often repeated intention to quit India in quiet, conversational tones to a strained and silent House of Commons.
His statement was immediately issued as another White Paper which Britain hopes will produce agreement among the major Indian parties on the form of government to succeed the British Empire's 200-year rule.
Mr Atlee said that if the Indians failed to produce a con- stitution for a Contral Govern-
The Jewish extremists steppment through "a fully represen- ed up their offensive against tative constituent assembly" the British rule to-day by blowing British would "have to consider up the important Iraq Petro- to whom the powers of the Cen- leum Company's pipeline in trai Government in British northern Palestine in two India should be handed over." places and setting off two more electric mines under military
trucks.
question of whether the Government should be transferred "as a whole to some form of Central Covern- ment for British India, or in some areas
To warned that it would be
To-day's sabotage followed on the heels of last night's daring ruid on on RAF Station at Ein Shemer, half way between Haifa and Tel-Aviv.
The attack on the vital oipeling, which carries British oil from Porte san fields to an outlet near 12 faj people".
to the existing, provincial governments, or in such other way as they seem most reasonable and in best interest of the Indian
An informed source suld the
was regarded as the must serious "whole purpose" of Mr Attlee's
of day's terroristle acts,
Detalls were still lacking. The authorities dictaed
statement was to "produce agree- the Moslems and marment" between
Hindus who have steadfastly refused to co-operate in drafting a future constitution.
at out the assault on the RAF sntion late last night. They said the te rirists lobbed mortar shells into thei comp for minutes
20 were driven ofl.
before they
The sabotaging of British com- mercial interests and inning of com- munications previously had not come Into Irgun's scope in its underground
battle.
With the fate of four condemned "soldiers" now postponed indefinite-
ly, Irgun appeared to be unheeding
He said it was the "answer" to some quarters that had insisted that Britain would discover some way to hang on" in India in the face of continued disagreement among dian partion.
his
In-
NEW VICEROY
Mr Attlee followed
historit announcement that Field Marshal Lord Wavell would be replaced us Viceroy of
of the repeated warnings of kidnap statement with the
ping by Haganah.
its activity at the present to encour- agement of illegal immigration-- financing and organising a flow of glum ships from unknown Mediter- ranean ports, protecting refugees when they swarm nshore und fight- ing against deportation of the un- Jucky-United Press.
CARRANZIE JAARAMOZ
New Delhi Reactions
New Delhi, Feb. 21. Britain's notice to India
on Thursday to put her own house in order by June 1948 has faced this country with the decision-amiable solu- tion or devastating civil war-that was the gist of comments of old observers who in five years have seen Britain twice offer a large measure of self-government to India only to have internal differences starid in the way of acceptance.
The dramatic announce- mont by Mr Clement Aftlec in the House of Commons that the British were leaving- next year was quickly in- terpreted in some unofficial quarters as being strongly favourable to the side of the Congress Party-As- sociated Press.
muti: 161111296
tam ch
suitable
Haganah apparently was confining | India by Lord Louis Mountbatten. "We regard this
The House broke Into pan- time to make a change, so for ux Opposition, I know there is no precedent for demonium when the leader, Mr Winston Churchill, on such a request as that made by Mr
Churchill. his feet as soon as Mr Attlee sal down, demanded the reasons for Lord Wavell's dismissal. When Mr Attlee refused to an
Conservative members af Parliament joined in angry shouts of answer, unswer."
Leaning over
pointing a And Enger full In Attlee's face Me Churchill growled. "Is there Any reason why an explanation should be concealed from us? Why should wo not be told the truth?"
HOME-MADE MORTARS The British troops, when they cap tured the terrorist site, found three home-inade mortars, two of which were loaded, and 12 mortor shell
cate,
swer,
DEBATE NEXT WEEK
London, Feb. 20. Mr Arthur Greenwood, acting As Conservative cries of "answer" House crowded Government leader in the House of rang through the Commons, announced to-tiny that Mr Attlee sat hunched in his red- the House would debate Palestine leathered chair tapping his knee
of with the next Tuesday, the resumption
type-script of the Industry and fuel distribution next momentous statement he had just Wednesday and foreign affairs next read. Eventually he frost Thursday.United Press.
EDITORIAL
said:
and
China And UNRRA Supplies
IT is possible that Nanking helloves she is legally entitled to request that But the har outstanding UNRRA supplies bo, offered for open sale. nations who financed provision of these goods under the impression that, they would be used to rehabilitate a country sorely stricken by eight con tinuous years of wanfare, will regard the proposition, with nokance. The dumping of UNRRA commodities on what is humorously known as the free market", even if carried out under official control, violates the Inten- tion of the original agreement. The whole purpose of UNRRA contributions. was that they should represent an International effort to revive the. economie and social pulse of those countries wounded and fainting from the dreadful affects of a world war. China is one, Unhappily, her maldis.. tribution of UNRRA supplies provides one of the most sordid of post-war atorion; wherefore her officials can hardly be surprised if this latest proposal is treated with suspicion and hostility,
Nanking, through Dr Soong, denies that the purpose of the sates is, to bolater. China's crumbled currency. Yat for what else could the proceedo be intended? China's, demand has constantly bean for material goodo She has them, and now she wants to tell them. Nolther is Dr Soong's -incredulity' of the prospects of thesa UNRRA goods tanding in the black market, the least bit convincing. The Finance Minister should have eufficient evidence at his disposal to appreciate the power and ramifications of this market. It can be called by any name one pleases, but it is cer tainly not in existence to see that the Chinese get what they are entitled to recoÏvb-xcept upon own terms. UNRRA offolalo declare that at logst 45 per cent of their supplies are rotting and rusting in godowns and open apaces. If this is true, Nanking would do the country far more service by seeing that these 'goods were placed where they were most needed, than by disposing of them for cash for somebody else to revoll at substantial profits.
-
What Attlee Said
London, Feb. 20.
LORD WAVELL
Reservations
Price 20 Cents
Tel: 27880
RUSSIA'S OFFER ON ATOMIC ENERGY
Will Permit An International Authority To Work Plants
Lake Success, N.Y., Feb, 20. -
Prior to the Security Council atomic control debate resumption at 3 p.m. to-day, the Soviet delegate, Mr An- drei Gromyko announced that Russia would let an inter- national authority to supervise and manage atomic energy plants in the Soviet Union,
Mr Gromyko's statement cleared away doubts that Russia, by Gromyko's 12 proposed amendments
Mr Gromyko's clarißentlon, which BC- promised Russia's unqualified ceptance of International supervision
to the American-plan, hnd aimed at and management of nay present or I restricting inspection and supervi- future Russlanpitomie energy plants gion to only those plants Which existed UN circles to the optimistic be- it tire time a world atomic treaty is signed.
Fuel Rationing May Last Indefinitely
London, Feb. 20.
Industrial electricity "switch offs" are expected to- day to last 10 days in the London area and domestic electricity rationing is expected to last indefinitely, au- thoritative sources said to-day. Southeastern England will be the last to get back to industrial produc- tion, it was reported. A week's in- terval was expected between restora- 1tons in various districts of England. The Midlands will get electricity on Monday and the North-west was be. Heved to be the next in line.
The recovery depended to some Making his dramatle announce extent upon the weather-which was ment on India in the House of Com-worsening, mons to-day, the Prime Minister A Fuel Ministry statement sald, said: His Majesty's Government The weather is menacing again. It wish to make it clear that it is their is too early to predict the effect on deinite intention to take the neces- deliveries of further hardéning of sary steps to effect transference of the weather but it cannot be other power into responsible Indian hands than serious."-United Press. by a date not later than June, 1948.
NO EXPORTING UNTIL 1948
The
London, Feb. 20. The weather is again, menacing Britain's coal distribution, Ministry of Fuel, stating titis to- night, added that the effect on de- liveries of further hardening of the weather could not be other than serious.
There was snow. over many parts of southern England and the bitter spell, now hits fourth week, con- tinued unabated.
lief that rapprochement of the American and Russian positions is now possible.
for
NEW RESEARCH CENTRE Meanwhile I was announced third great American centre atomic research along with Oakridge, Tennessee, and Hanford, Washing ton. will be built on a 3,045-acre site in Dupage County, Illinois, 26 miles southwest of Chicago at a cost of many millions of dollars. Its 12 bulldings will be ready within three years and when completed the mid- west centre will be known "Argonne National Laboratory."
The Arganne it only one of series of new national atomic laborn- lories to be established and will be operated by the University of Chi- cago in conjunction with 24 other Mid-western universities.
The
replaces the worlime Argonne metallurgical laboratory at the University of Chicago, which played an important part in the creation of the atomic bomb. The Iaboratory will
engage in the research and development of all phases of atomic andl energy, Including industrial military-United Press.
DEVASTATING EXPLOSION
Many Killed And Injured
of danger to Britain's fishing fleet The Admiralty stated that reports and coal chips from ice floes in the North Sea had been greatly exag- gerated. Even small ships were able: to get through the foot-thick Ice floes without difcuity, Newspaper "The British Government agreed to
Landon, Feb. 20, reports that aeroplanes had
been recommend to Parliament a constify- tion worked out in accordance with
Ice packs were Britain will not export coal until sent out to bomb
Tour the Cabinet Mission's'
by proposaly 3
10-18 because of the fuel crisis and denied, but this afternoon fully representative Constituent As the need to build up extensive coal Royal Air Force planes were sent out to report on ice-floes' position, embly. If it should appear that such reserves, Sir Guy Nott-Bower, off- A constitution will not have
been cial spokesman of the Ministry of Radio reports from some trawlers in the North Sea suggested that ice reached by such an Assembly before Fuel and Power, said in an inter-might be breaking up. June, 1948, the Government would view to-night. have to consider to whom the powers "Demite Increased output, there is London broke yet another weather. of the Central government in British no Indiention that Britain will re-record to-day and is already within day that some people thought
should be handed
store her coal exports this year." striking distance of another which an atomic bomb had hil the city. the due date."
he said.
has stood for more than 100 years. A preliminary check listed at Mr Attler said legislation would be eter
This morning the capital had an least 13 dead and 200 injured. introduced in due course to
unbroken spell of frost for more give
blast levelled on electro- persons
*L
India
over to on
Los Angeles, Feb. 20. An explosion rocked a part of Los Angeles with such force to
The
eflect to the final transfer of power year when we expect that Britain's than 130 hours, the longest period | plating plant in which 35
in Julia
He said the British Government did not intend to hand over powers and obligations of the Indian states
her paramountcy to any over ment of British India.
"It was not intended to bring paramountcy to conclusion earlier than the date of final transfer of power, but it was contemplated that in the intervening period the rela- tions of the Crown with individuat states might be adjusted by agree
"Indeed when he
WICH Prime Minister he made
treat
many changes in both military and civil appointments and I un tot awarement." that any explanations were given," This was greeted with a storm of Labour cheers,
REAFFIRMS PROPOSALS
The effect of Mr Attlee's statement was to reallrm last year's proposals of the British Cabinet Mission after three months of conferences
with Indian political leaders. This plan visualised a Central Government to take over the rule of British India under a Constitution written by all parties.
ADVANCE MEASURES
measures
"We might be able to consider, starting exporting cool again next basic needs will be satisfied." he added. customers will
While the hardest hit, of Britain's be Eire, which last year imported over a quarter of the total cant exports, France, Denmark, next-leuter. Italy, Belgium and Sweden Come
WEATHER WORSENS
in any February this century.
were working and a black cloud Another three days below freezing | mushroomed toward the sky. -and the latest forecast says "con- A man working directly across the tinuing very cold" will smash the street deginred, "It looked just like record set up in the winter of 1811, the newsred pictures of the atomic
At & p.m. to-day the thermometer stood at 30 degrees, one lower than the mid-day temperature.-Reuter.
Ramadier Given
Confidence Vote
and
London, Feb. 21. European weather, critical factor: in Britain's battle against fuel and power shortage, turned worse again to-day, Snow fell in most districts and most of England and Wales north-east Mr Attlee said that although final Just cleared, were blocked again.
Yorkshire roads which,
Paris, Feb. 21, transfer might not talce place until
Continental countries without ex- The National Asserably voted Junk, 1948, preparatory must be put in hard in advance.
reported subnormal tempera-confidence in Ramadier's government ception
and practically tures
all regions 506 to 59 after a heated debate on The British Government will
short of fuel while supplies in economy and food. negotiate on matters arising out of some areas were drained to danger the transfer with representatives of point.
The vote was taken after several those to whom they propose to trans-
ahend from Deputies had urged the progressive Despite previous go It is important that the ter...
expressed Government, It appeared that many lifting of rationing ficiency of the civil administration British Industries would be unable confidence in the government's ability be maintained and the defence India provided for," the Minister to get back into production for some to "carry out the polley aimed at To-day's statement provided no
time.
suring a normal fond distribution alternative except the warning Mr Attke said that as the trans-
Berlin reported 170 died from cold to the French people." that failure of India
since December 1, and in the Bel- M. Ramadier told parties to fer of power proceeded, it would be- agree on Constitution might be
gian coastal town of Nieuport six ference that the second series of five come progressively more difficult to followed by
two per cent cuts to be effective near Jast а parcelling
died of exposure in the of carry out to the letter all provisions
the end of the month would not be authority.
The lowest temperature in Britain the last in the French fight to save "However, the British Govern- was li degrees Fahrenheit.-Associat- the Irune and stabilise the internal
ed Press.
economy-Associated Press. ment bellave that Beliish comumer- clat and Industrial Interests in India can look forward to a fair field for their enterprise under the new conditions,”
Mr Attlee niso reaffirmed that the British did not intend to hand over their "powers and obligations" over the independent Indian States to à Central Government,
sald.
of
of the Government of India Act of days.
1035.
"It in contemplated that for the Intervening period the relations af
He said Britain would continue to the Crown with individual states do all in its power to further India's may be adjusted by agreement" Mr | well-being. Aftice aut
Although no responsible officia source would say so, this apparently Itaves the British Government free to renegotiate its individual treaties with the princely states of India.
"The future of the Indian States is for the Indian States to debate and not for us" said an informed soures. In any change of status in India there are many minor questions that would have to be Iruned out through negotiations with the Indian princes. -Associated Press.
Note: Text of the White. Paper, on India which the Prime Minister rend to the House of Commons, appears on Page 4.
"SHOCKING" STATEMENT
Lord Pethick Lawrence, Secretary of State for India, made a statement In the House of Lords similar to that given by Mr Attlee.
Viscount Cranborne, teader of
all previous statements of His
news con-
bamb explosion.
The shock rumbled across the city with the effects of on earthquake, shattering windows, snapping power lines
and rupturing- gas, mains. Fifteen are companies were called out to fight the resulting fires. By- standers as far as six blocks from the scene were killed by flying debris,
Chemists believed
hydrogen formed in the process of plating at the devastated plant United Press. 30 REPORTED DEAD
In
that
Los Angeles, Feb. 26. Thirty people were reported-killed an explosion which rocked · a building in Los Angeles to-day.
The explosion occurred tri an electro-plating shop. It was followed by u fre.
of those injured about a dozeri are in a critical condition.
The slop and three private houses were destroyed, All available ambulances and private cars Dre being used to rush the injured to hospitals. The explosion damaged buildings for an area of a mile and half. Molor-cara parked nearby were wrecked."
The police have called a "state of emergency.
y."-Reuter.
PLANS FOR "MODERATE" EXPANSION
OF JAPAN'S TEXTILE INDUSTRY
Tokyo, Feb, 20.
for
Observers sold the memorandum The chief of SCAP'% Textile Divi='
statements of American oficials, in-
war
to provide foreign exchange
A SOAT memorandum to-day was significant since it closely follows sion, Li-Col H., S. Tate, paid the recommended: 11 4,000,000- cluding Ambasandor George Atcheson, objective of the expanded spindle the the Jar urging the earliest possible capacity is to help to make capacity spindle
rehabilitation of the
Japanese nation's economy self-sufficient. The Opposition in the Lord of the Japanese textile industry in economy, and recalled that the pre- hoped ultimately enough cotton pro- statement was shocking.
Japanese economic structure order to allow for "moderate was bosed, to a wide extent, on slik ducis will be exported to pay for "It appears to be a reversal of expansion" of textile exports and cotton rayon textile exports.imports of raw cotton and, if pos
SCAP Investigations indicate ard during the next few years, said Lord Cranborne. "It provides
The memorandum, sent to the will be necessary to operate
minimum of 3,500,000 apindles saferyards for mitoriiles, TE
Japanese Government to-day said order to produce amounts to abandonment of India this interim production level should | 260,000,000 pounds of celton pro- of raw materials and machine tools under conditions which to many provide a domestic standard of living ducts, which textile experts catimate for building spindles and other of us can give no hope of a peace, l'approaching that of 1030-34-three|will be exported, and 427,000,000 machinery, The Japanese Industry ful and prosperous future for her years before Japan embarited on the pounds, they estimate, should be now has approximately 3,070,000 Deople,"
China war which SCAP considera provided for domestic consumption | spindles, fricluding those in storage. (Continued on l'ago 4)
the banu perlod.
under a peacelline economy,
United Press,
Majesty's
''s Government,"
a minimum
It surplus for the purchase of other
In
at a vital imports."
He said the rate of exchange will. of be geared solely on the availability,