PALESTINE CRISIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 10

PALESTINE CRISIS

SHOW OF FORCE MORE BRITISH TROOPS 10,000 TO LEAVE SHORTLY ARABS- RESENT DECISION By Telegjnph —Press Association —Copyright (Roceivcd September (3, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 5 The Daily Telegraph says ib understands that 10,000 reinfoi'cements, including 12 infantry battalions, will leave for Palestine on September 11. This will bring the total number of British troops in that country to 17,000, which will be sufficient to enable martial law to be imposed. However, according to an official of the War Office, the present intention is to make such a display of force that martial law will not be necessary. Despatches from Jerusalem state that the British decision to reinforce the troops in Palestine has hardened the attitude of the Arabs, to whom the rebel leader Fauzi Bey has issued a call to arms. His presence is believed to have been responsible for the highest total of British casualties since the outbreak of hostilities. The derailment of a goods train engine, apparently duo to sabotage, resulted in the deaths of two British soldiers and the native driver, while the reserve driver was scalded and two enginedrivers were injured. The Arab higher committee has reeolved to continue the strike "until the country is saved."

RESERVISTS CALLED UP GOVERNMENT'S ACTION PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE British Wireless RUGBY, Sept. 4 In connection with the reinforcement of the Palestine garrison the War Office stated this evening that reservists in section "Q" of the Army Reserve are being, called up. This action is being taken solely for the purpose of bringing up to establishment certain units, which may be required for reinforcing the Palestine garrison if they are' sent. The section of the Army Reserve in question consists of a limited number of men who have undertaken to come up for service, if called upon, without the issue of a proclamation. The. Ist. Army Division, comprising 12,000 troops, whose manoeuvres were cancelled, were ordered yesterday to be ready to go to Palestine a week from to-day. The 2nd and 3rd Infantry Brigades are expected to be the first to embark. DENIAL OF RUMOURS ARABS' PEACE TERMS NO ASSURANCES GIVEN British Wireless RUGHY, Gept. 4

The Colonial Secretary, Mr. W. Ormsby-Gore, in a letter to Dr. Charles .Weizmann, president of the Jewish 'Agency and of the World Zionist Organisation, gives a definite denial to rumours published in the Palestine press, arid,'widely believed in that country, that the Arabs' terms for a cessation of the strike and terrorist campaign have been accepted by the higher Arab Committee. He denies also that these terms have been accepted by the British High' Commissioner, Sir Arthur Wauchope, or by the British Government: and that the B r .igh Commissioner has authorised General Nuri Pasha, Irak Foreign Minister, to give assurances to the' Arab committee.

On this subject Mr. Ormsby-Gore says that, no such terms have been agreed to,' either by the High Commissioner or by the British Government. Moreover, there is no foundation for the suggestion regarding the including the suspension of immigration, to be taken after the cessation of the disturbances. Sir Arthur states that not only has General Nuri Pasha not been authorised to give any such assurances, but he has not asked for any such authority. To the best of the High Commissioner's belief General Nuri Pasha made it cloar to the Arab leaders that he was not In .a position to give any such assurances.