PALESTINE FIGHTING STIFFENS

Chronicle (Levin), 5 June 1948, Page 5

PALESTINE FIGHTING STIFFENS

(N.Z.P.A.—

- Reuter ,

Jews Allege Anglo-Arab Invasion Plans

Copyright)

Keceived Friday, 7 p.m. LONDON, June 4. By banning the export of arms to Palestine and the Arab States surrounding it and at the same time stopping the immigration of able-bodied Jews and fighting men going into Palestine from \ Cyprus, Britain, it is pointed out in, London, has carried out the Secui'ity Council 's resolution that all members lnust prevent arms, nmnitions and fighting men going into Palestine during the expeeted four-week truce. The arms hau comes into effect immediately', a Board of Trade official said last night, adding that any contracts for : nmnitions still unfnlfilled would be cancelled. The Israeli Prime Minister (Mr. Ben-Gurion) told his Cabinet tonight that Arab-British plans for the captnre of Haifa by May 20 and Jerusalem and Tel Aviv by May 25 had fallen into Jewish hands. He added that the plans also proyided for the proclamation of King Abdullah of Transjordan as King of All Palestine on May 25. The British authorities not only supplied the Arabs with arms but also helped to work out the Arab invasion plans and military .tactics. Latest messages indieate a stiffening of the Palestine fighting with Jewish offensive moves on two fronts as Count Bernadotte continues his discussions with both sides on the possibility of a cease-fire. A special Jewish communique early today claimed that Israeli troops entered Jenin. an Arab toAvn midway between the Sea of. Galilee and Tel Aviv in the rear of the Traqi advance towards the eoast. To the south the Jews claim to have surrounded an Bgyptian column at Isdud halfway from Gaza to Tel Aviv which . the Egyptians captured a few days ago. Reports from Amman said heavv Iraqi reinforcements. including big guns, were moving tlirough the Transjordan hill country.

Tlie Primc Minister of Israel (Mr. Ben-Gurion ) atlr.eking the Britisii authorities said the British ( onsui warned tlie Jewish Mavor of Haifa tliat if the Jews repeated their air attack 011 A mina n the Royal Air Force wouiu shoot down any Jewish plane seen over Palestine. An Egyptian communique claims that Egyptian naval forces attacked tlie port of (haesarea thirtv miles nortli ot Tel Aviv, sinking oue vessel and seoriiijr direct hits on harhour installations. The United Nation* mediator (Count Bernadotte) arrived at Haifa from Amman last night and began talks with Mr. Moshe Shertok. He plans to go to Beirut today. The Israeli Government jirotested to him against the British de.-ision that no military age Jews would be permitted to leave Cvprus during the truce. It also protested to the Security Council and directlv to the British Government. _ Emir Feisal, Foreign Minister ot Saudi Arahi a, who is visiting London, said at a press conferenee that comjdete conlidence existed between Hau (ti Arahia and Britain and a British military mission was still training Hau (ti Arahian troops. Tlie Arab League would deeide whether the Saudi Arahian oil concessions to Foreign Powers would be cancelled if a Jevrish Btate were estahlished in Palestine. The Emir discussed the Palestine sit nation with Mr. Bevin at the Foreign Offire and attended a luncheon given in his honour by the Foreign Hecretarv.