British Troops Hold Old Jerusalem; Victory At Small Cost of Life

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1938, Page 7

British Troops Hold Old Jerusalem; Victory At Small Cost of Life

(Received 12 Noon)

LONDON, October 20. spHE Fin ST DUTY OF BRITISH TROOPS IN THE OLD CITY OF

JERUSALEM WAS TO DISTRIBUTE BREAD IN THE JEWISH QUARTERS, ALSO TO PRIESTS, NUNS AND CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAD BEEN FOODLESS FOR 72 HOURS. .1

Arabs are taking refuge in the Mosque, secure in the knowledge that the British do not wish to desecrate holy places. Over 300 were arrested on the roof of the Church of the Nativity, where they were using the watch tower. Rebels are sniping aeroplanes from minarets.

The British troops remained in the Old City all night, keeping a cordon round the Haram quarter. Rebels resumed sniping at dusk, and continued for hours in the darkness, British pickets replying.

The trivial British casualties so far is surprising, as it was expected

they would be much heavier. Nothing is to be feared if • the situation is handled firmly.

Troops recommenced house-to-house searches at dawn, detaining many who posed as peaceful, and were handed oyer to the police for interrogation and examination of their shoulders in order to discover marks of rifle butts.

Troops also found a rope hanging from the city wall, suggesting that some rebels had escaped. It is thought rebels had means of access so far unknown to the authorities, who are considering calling on archaeologists to advise regarding secret passages in the Old City. An emergency regulation empowers the High Commissioner to expropriate rebels’ immovable property, demolishing or otherwise disposing of the possessions of those who are aiding and instigating violence, intimidation or sabotage.

The Cabinet has approved of the measures proposed by the Colonial Secretary, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, for the restoration of order in Palestine, and the broad outline of a possible final settlement, states the “Daily Telegraph.” The British troops, detailed to clear out the rebels from" the old city of Jerusalem, were in control of practically the whole area two hours after the vanguard had moved in.