BRITISH FORCES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22201, 11 December 1946, Page 6

BRITISH FORCES

AIM IN PALESTINE GUARD AGAINST RUSSIA U.S. JEW LEADER’S CLAIM LONDON, Dec. 9. British troops were kept in Palestine es a defence measure against Russia, declared the vice-president of the American League for Free Palestine, Fitifessor Johan Smertenko, addressing a press conference in London. He added that this was the sense of the reply given to members of his league who interviewed the Foreign Secretary. Mr. Ernest Bevin, at the Foreign Office about a year ago. Mr. Bevin. in effect, said: “Our interests demand the presence of many British troops in the Middle East. There is a threat from Russia. We must he prepared to meet it.” Professor Smertenko said he was in England to do political work and make contact with members of the British Government and present the American league’s views. ... . . He alleged that the British administration in Palestine was leading to violations of civic rights and thuddegree treatment of Jews by new “Black and Tan police.” Black and Tan Police When Professor Smertenko said the Grenadier Guards went through a settlement with bayonets and completely destroyed it, a pressman interrupted: “We are proud of the Grenadier Guards’ discipline. What authority have you for saying this?” Professor Smertenko replied that he had heard it from Palestinians. He had not been in Palestine himself. A Foreign Office spokesman, referring to Professor • Smertenko’s statement about Mr. Bevin, said: ‘The Foreign Office cannot trace such a statement. In any case Mr. Bevin’s policy in this direction is quite well known.’ The Board of Deputies of British Jews, commenting on Professor Smertenko's statements at the press conference, said the American League for Free Palestine was not connected in any way with any body in this country. “This mischievous and irresponsible statement, both in spirit and substance, is beneath contempt,”, it added. It will lie so regarded by both Jew and nonJew.”