JEWISH GROUPS’ DEFENCE PACT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22623, 28 April 1948, Page 5

JEWISH GROUPS’ DEFENCE PACT

IRGUN RESUMES ATTACK ON JAFFA (N.Z.P. A.—Keuter— Copyright.) (10.30 a.m.) JERUSALEM, April 27. The Jewish defence force, Haganah, and the terrorist group, the Irgun Zvai Leumi, after all-night discussions, signed an agreement for co-operation in Palestine military operations, says Reuter’s correspondent in Tel Aviv.

The Irgun forces late today renewed their attack on Jaffa and succeeded in removing an Arab minefield round the Jaffa station. Half the station is in Irgun hands and half is held by the British. The Irgun advance into Jaffa is continuing. Shells are now falling in the heart of the city. Arab defenders are answering with mortars directed towards Tel Aviv. Battles in Jerusalem Fighting on a major scale is reported on at least six places throughout Palestine. Machine-guns rattled all morning in Jerusalem's Katomon area after a night of almost constant fighting. Jerusalem’s biggest departmental store was blown up after an all-night battle in Princess Mary Avenue. The explosion extensively damaged nearby buildings. Jews had earlier occupied the building. Unknown . assailants shot dead a Palestine Government public works official, Mr. B. O. Denham, today. The Associated Press correspondent says that the Arabs last week threatened Mr. Denham for “fraternising with the Jews.” Captain R. B. Leggatt, a member of the staff of Sir Hugh Dow, British representative in Palestine after the mandate ends, was shot dead by Arabs in Allenby Square. The customs buildings of Lydda airport were set on fire after Arab looting. British forces now occupy the airport.