BECOMING WORSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 23 May 1936, Page 7

BECOMING WORSE

TROUBLE IN PALESTINE

BATTLE WITH ARAB SNIPERS

BRITISH REINFORCEMENTS BEING SENT

(Onited Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 23rd May, 9.15 a.m.) JERUSALEM, 22nd May. The Arab and Jew situation is becom. ing worse. Three British soldiers were wounded in a battle with Arab snipers, who previously ambushed a crowded Jewish omnibus and three private cars containing prominent Jewish leaders in a narrow defile on the main Jerusalem-Jaffa road. Two bus passengers were wounded.

A party of Cameron Highlanders was immediately rushed to the spot in lorries and met fairly heavy fire from snipers. Taking cover behind trees the soldiers retaliated and tlie snipers retreated, one being captured. Troops have now taken over from police guardians 11 vulnerable points, including the oil area and the post office. Further reinforcements are en route from Cairo. JAFFA LIGHTERMEN ULTIMATUM TO COMMISSIONER UNLOADING OF SHIPS MUST CEASE (Received 23rd May, 9.15 a.m.) JERUSALEM, 22nd May. Tlie “Daily Mail’s” Jerusalem correspondent reports that Arab lightermen at Jaffa presented an ultimatum to tbe District Commissioner threatening sei'ious trouble unless the unloading of ships at Telaviv ceases within 24 hours. Telaviv, where there is a large Jewish settlement, at present is being used as a temporary port owing to the Jaffa strike. The destroyer Beagle on 27th May was sent to protect ships unloading. Communication between Jerusalem and Jaffa is severed, thus interrupting communication with Cairo. An Arab village near Acra was collectively fined £2OO for setting fire to fields and attacking passing cars.