SIR,—At last, after talk of war, appeasement, new conventions, users'
associations and the your leading article shows what could alter the whole situation—'a closer association with Israel.' It's about time that common sense prevailed in the Middle East and the phrase quoted is just that—plain, wholesome corn-, mon sense.
Why is it that we seem so slow to learn that the Arabs will never be anything more than a collection of tribes always willing to take, but slow to feel the spirit of gratitude? Since Lot and Abraham parted company the Arabs have been, a wandering people—nomads in an arid desert land. How can such a background lead to their being people of sufficient stability to have trust placed in them? Quite simply, it cannot. Yet we continue to trust them. War has been an Arab pastime for centuries —amongst themselves, tribe against tribe. Never in their whole history have they been so united as they are now. They fear none— but the Jew, and their fear of him is very real indeed as any ex-soldier who has served in the Middle East will testify.
Moreover, the Jew has always had reason to be grateful for the existence of England, to whose friendly shores he has often fled in times of distress. He has helped to bolster our economic position, through his trading abilities, all through the centuries, hence our reason for mutual gratitude and understanding.
We have many times been let down by the Arab. Let this be the last time and let us, by strengthening Israel, and our ties with her, lay the foundation of a peaceful and useful Middle East for our children to enjoy.—Yours faithfully,
DOUGLAS F. TUNBRIDGE
Lincoln Liberal Association
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