SIEGE SEQUEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23175, 22 October 1938, Page 14

SIEGE SEQUEL

OLD JERUSALEM BREAD DISTRIBUTED URITISH TROOPS' TASK iSITUATION NOW EASIER By Telegraph—-rress Association— Copyright LONDON, Oct. 20 The first of the British troops in the Old City of Jerusalem was to distribute bread in the Jewish quarter, also to priests, nuns and Christian institutions, which had .been without food for 72 hours. Arabs are taking refuge in the Mosque, secure in the knowledge that the British do not wish to dese•crate holy places. More than 300 Arabs 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 harem quarter. The rebels resumed sniping at dusk and continued for hours in the darkness, British pickets replying.

Arabs Escape from Old City The trivial British casualties so far ire surprising, as it was expected that they would be much heavier. Nothing is to he feared if the situation is handled firmly. The troops recommenced house-to-.house searches at dawn, detaining .males, many of whom posed as peace■fiil and were handed over to the police ; for interrogation and examination of 'their shoulders in order to discover .marks of rifle-butts. The troops found a rope hanging •.from the city wall, suggesting that some rebels had escaped. It is thought that the rebels Kad means of access so far unknown to the authorities, who are considering calling on archaeologists to advise' them regarding secret passages in the Old City. A Military Court passed the death sentence on an Arab who was caught carrving revolvers and cartridges. Three Arabs were shot dead in an attack on a Jewish rail truck at Lydda. Belief and Renewed Confidence An emergency regulation empowers the High Commissioner to expropriate rebels' immovable property, demolishing or otherwise disposing of the possessions of those, whether resident in Palestine "or abroad, who are aiding and instigating violence, intimidation or sabotage. Relief and renewed confidence are expressed everywhere. The Arabs welcome reports that partition has been abandoned, but emphasise that British policy in other respects must also be changed. The Jews express relief at the prospect of the British remaining in control, having feared the creation of an Arab State. The Arab casualties in the Old City have increased to 19 killed and .25 wounded.