Two questions in particular occupy the Lebanese: the first is the question of the internal situation in Lebanon, and the second is the Palestine question. "The Woman's Voice" wished to sound out the opinion of some of the leaders of the women's movement in Beirut on these two questions. Our correspondent therefore put to them the following two questions:

1 — You know that the Lebanese are not satisfied with the internal situation in Lebanon. What remedy do you propose for it? And what effective contribution can the Lebanese woman make?

2 — In the event that the secret Bloudan resolutions are carried out and war is declared in defense of Palestine,

what can the Arab woman do to take a practical share in the performance of this sacred duty?

Miss Ibtihaj Kaddoura

1 — Woman throughout the world has been, and still is, a messenger of peace who carries the condition of the people to the ears of the government. It is the government's duty — if it truly represents the nation — to listen to the voice of the people, so that understanding may come about between the people and those who hold power; then each will do his duty and feel the responsibility laid upon him, whether man or woman.

2 — I keep constant vigil over the Palestine question, and I have thought of calling the Lebanese Arab Women's Federation to a general meeting, at which I would lay the Palestine question before the members and urge them to volunteer as soldiers in defense of this sacred spot of our beloved land. Between me and the members, however, stands the difficulty of reaching them, for the greater part of them are still at the summer resorts because of the delayed opening of the schools.

And Miss Ibtihaj Kaddoura said: "If we fight the Jews on the soil of Palestine, Lebanon will certainly be a base for hospitals and for the sheltering of Palestinian families. The members of the Federation will ask the government to make ready the army barracks which we took over from the French army, and which still stand unoccupied, to house the families. And our homes, cramped as they are, will be open to them. All our women and girls must be trained in modern methods of first aid, so that every woman may take an effective part in this sacred struggle."

Mrs. Heneni Tarcha

1 — Mrs. Heneni Tarcha said: "A house divided against itself falls to ruin." In my opinion the internal condition of Lebanon will not be set right so long as the people is divided against itself, so long as there is no understanding between the people and the government. I do not accuse the men of the government of a lack of sincerity, but the understanding does not

exist, and that is why we find their activity turned to other than the public interest. The course that ought to be followed is for the venerable and perceptive President of the Republic, and the seasoned statesman who heads the government, to meet with the leaders of the parties and blocs and review together the problems of the country in all sincerity, setting aside the events of May 25, each man stripping himself of his personal aims. Let them examine every problem closely and hand them over to specialized committees to solve in the best manner — and let the educated Lebanese woman have her share in the solving of these problems, in partnership with the committees, for it has been proved that our women, once given responsibility, discharge it faithfully.

2 — And when I asked her what the Arab woman could do in the event of a declaration of war in Palestine, she answered: "This question was laid on the table for discussion at one of the sessions of the Lebanese Women's League last year. The members then agreed unanimously to work to lighten the calamities of the Arabs in general and of Palestine in particular — by comforting the sick, aiding the wounded, sheltering women and children in our homes, and volunteering for every good work within our power... Today we are more ardent than we were last year, and if war there must be, we are ready for everything that may tip the scale of victory to our side; and our men will see that we shall back these words of ours with deeds."

Mrs. Rose Shahfa

1 — And Mrs. Rose Shahfa, former president of the