Angry and Bewildered

Northern Advocate, 1 February 1947, Page 5

Angry and Bewildered

As night fell on the Holy Land, all British citizens, including hundreds of wives and children, had moved into protected areas behind triple banks ot barbed wire, says the Jerusalem correspondent of the Daily Mail. They are protected from a surprise attack by terrorists by troops armed with Tommy guns.

Wives,- many of whom made their homes in Palestine for 10 years, are angry and bewildered at - the short evacuation notice given them, but, protests notwithstanding, orders are being enforced, says the Jerusalem correspondent of the Daily Mail. Powerful arc lamps are turning night into day round the security areas as troops roll out barbed wire and create areas of no-rnan's-land. Mothers, with small children or pets tucked under their arms, splashed from trucks through mud churned up by heavy traffic. They hoped for a short stay in barracks, but did not know where the next call might he. Some thought Cyprus and others Egypt.

Mrs Windham, wife of the kidnapped judge, said: “I am .not going unless I am forced. I was married too recently to leave my husband.” Others who are pecking' include Lady Gurney, the chief secretary's wife, and Lady Barker, wife of the GCC, Palestine. Whatever their position, all will go.

An order permits any police officer or servicemen to take any appropriate action against anyone contraveningthe evacuation' order.

Meanwhile, the cause of all the trouble, Gruner, after repudiating his appeal, has been returned to solitary confinement. Newspaper correspondents protested at being classed as non-essential and announced their intention of remaining in Palestine and demanding protection.

Jewish Agency circles have received information from usually reliable informants that the Palestine Government intends to introduce martial law in certain areas at noon on February 2.