IN PALESTINE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1929, Page 5

IN PALESTINE

(United PreßS Association.—ByElectrio XeiegrapU.—Copyright.;

BRITISH LOSSES,

ARAB VILLAGES SURPRISED

LONDON, Sept. 4

The Daily Express Jerusalem corres■pondent states that there was a spectacular fight between Bedouin Arabs' and British troops on Sunday night, when three companies of British infantry, who were supported by armoured cars and by aeroplanes, came to grips with a, thousand of the'tribesmen on the open plains 'between Tiberias and Attin, which the Arabs had previously ransacked."

A fierce struggle ensued. Twelve of the Arabs were killed. Many Arabs were wounded, and eight were taken prisoners and'sent to Tiberias. A company of the South Wales Borderers, along with aeroplanes and also seaplanes, surrounded the Arab town of Lifta., north-west of Jerusalem, during the night. ' . : '

In addition there were other raids on Arab villages in the Jerusalem area. In all of the cases the villages were surprised, and'loot was recaptured and prisoners taken. The Arabs made a determined night attack upon the South Wales Borderers at Talpoith;' They were replied to by a brisk and sweeping fire of Lewis guns that were placbd on/the roofs of the houses. After two hours’ firing the Arabs vanished in the darkness.. The authorities are generally satisfied with the position', though there still are mobile forces of armed Arabs on horses and camels on the plains north of the Sea of Galilee.

British' troops near Jericho, however ,aro prepared for all eventualities. . - , • Meanwhile, Jerusalem has taken on the l normal air of patriarchal respectabilitiy. The news vendors were selling newspapers for. the first time for a fortnight.' Though censored, ’the papers bear a heavy black border of mourning and invariably they have the one common heading in bold black letters - “Seven, days' bloodshed and horrors in Palestine.” v

I. Shops are rebpening, and there are armed sentries' posted at the important spots. ■>' . ARABS DEMAND INQUIRY, v LONDON, Sept. 4. ; The Times • Jerusalem correspondent states: The Palestine Arab Executive are broadcasting a manifesto declaring that' most 'of the Jews were self-armed, and that the Government have armed others. The Arab Executive deny that any Jews were mutilated, but they assert that the Jews have mutilated certain Arabs, and that the Jewish mobs have killed isolated Arab women and children, and. also that the Jews committed the firtt ■ -murders on women and children.,y v ,

The manifesto states that disciplined British troops have shot Arab women and children in their homes and In ' their beds. />. ' The Arab Executive declare the Palestine troubles are directly due to the British • Zionist policy, aiming at the annihilation of the Arab nation.; because they favour the reviving of the non-existent Jewish nation.

The Arabs insist upon an impartial inquiry; not influenced by Zionism.

I ENQUIRY APPROVED, v VARIOUS PRESS COMMENT " (British Official Wireless.) 1 RUGBY, Sept. 5. The announcement that a Commission of Inquiry into Palestine incidents is being appointed, is approved by the press. The “Daily Telegraph” says the Colonial Secretary, Lord prompt action, is admirable. The “.Daily 'Chronicle” says the terms of the reference for the inquiry are the right ones, and it entirely approves of the firm words in which it is stated in official announcement that His Majesty's Government’ have no idea of reconsidering Britain’s tenure of the mandate, and no inquiry is contemplated which might alter the position of this country in regard to the mandate and the policy laid down in the Balfour declaration. The “Manchester Guardian” discussing the appointment of the Commission and statement on the subject by the Prime Minister at Geneva, says, that the troubles in Palestine seem to have subsided almost completely. They .were serious enough while they lasted, but the Jehad or Holy War which some observers seem to have created, has not materialised. There is a certain effervescence in the Moslem world, but it is not warlike. The attitude of that great statesman. Ibn Sand, is of real importance for liis influence in the Arab world is unsurpassed. He left no doubt that he does not dream of promoting antiBritish movements in Palestine; indeed his sentiments appear to be in complete harmony with the theme of Mr MacDonald, whose statement at Geneva should give satisfaction to all. < ■ MOSLEM INTENTION. JERUSALEM, Sept.- 4. The Supreme Moslem Council has begun to erect a new building above the Wailing Wall, despite Jewish protests. The Government is considering the matter. Strong Government action 'prevented Moslem demonstrations at Jerusalem, Jaffa, Haifa and Nablus. Two hundred Arabs were arrested at Lifta and 120 at Hebron where many Jews were previously massa 7 cred.