ARABS OPEN FIRE ON BRITISH TROOPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 150, 26 June 1936, Page 7

ARABS OPEN FIRE ON BRITISH TROOPS.

FORCES RETALIATE. Natives Killed in CounterAttack. UNREST CONTINUES. British Official Wireless. (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, June 25. Palestine messages state that British forces, convoyed by Cameron Highlanders, were fired on yesterday on the Jericho Road, five miles Avest of Good Samaritan and when coming up for a detour of a damaged bridge. A contingent of troops was sent by train down the Jerusalem-T.ydda line and searched Deiresban, a village near the scene of the previous day's attacks on the train. An opposition force was encountered and two Arabs were killed and three wounded, but the troops suffered no injuries. Rifles, pistols and ammunition were found concealed in the village. ' In Ainkarj village, the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist, whose festival fell yesterday, a peaceful demonstration of Christian Arabs was Held, after which a communication was sent to the High Commissioner. The first ease under the new restrictions was brought when Arabs in Jenin neighbourhood were arrested and charged with possession of arms and firing on troops. Unsuccessful attempts on rail ways have been made in several places, and bombs exploded in Beersheba, Gaza and Jerusalem suburbs. The Colonial Secretary, Mr. OrmsbyCore, was asked in the House of Commons what the intentions of the Government were as to the passing of Palestine over to the Jews for the purpose of establishing a free, independent Jewish nation. Mr. Ormsby-Core replied that the British Government had no intention of taking or countenancing any action inconsistent with the terms of the mandate or with its responsibility for safeguarding the rights of all inhabitants in Palestine, irrespective of race or religion. BRITISH CASUALTY. Seaforth Highlander Killed In Action. FIVE-HOUR ENGAGEMENT. (Received 1.30 p.m.) JERUSALEM. June 25. The second casualty among British troops within a week occurred near the village of Akraba, when Lance-Corporal Hunter, of the Seaforth Highlanders, was fatal) v wounded. Two Arabs were killed. A five hours' engagement occurred at the village of Kabalnn and four Arabs were killed and three wounded. A qifantity of ammunition was captured.