ACTS OF VIOLENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22904, 11 June 1936, Page 9

ACTS OF VIOLENCE

SITUATION IN PALESTINE

THE TROOPS REINFORCED

(British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

RUGBY, June 9,

Mr W. Ormsby-Gore was cordially cheered on rising in the House of Commons to answer questions for the first time as Secretary for Colonics. He gave a comprehensive reply to questions on the situation in Palestine, and said he much regretted that the improvement observed before the recess had not been maintained. “The authorities,” he said, “arc faced with a continuing scries of acts of violence in many parts of the country. The Government in Palestine is taking all possible action to protect life and property, and further emergency powers are being taken by proclamation. The troops in Palestine have been further reinforced. I should like to take this opportunity, which is Hie first 1 liaVc had since assuming office, to express my personal concern for the welfare of all sections of the population in Palestine, and my confidence that on the basis of the recommendations of the. Royal Commission which bis Majesty will be advised to appoint when order is fully* restored, means will be found within the framework of the mandate, with its dual obligations, to establish lasting peace and contentment among the people in Palestine.” *

Asked about the personnel of the Royal Commission, Mr Ormsby-Gore replied that the Government had no intention of appointing a Royal Commission or of publishing any terms of reference until law and order had definitely been restored and acts of violence prevented.

THE DISORDERS CONTINUE

JERUSALEM, June 9

With the 2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment, the British troops in Palestine now total seven battalions, or nearly two brigades. However, the disorders continue, including incendiarism and roadside ambushes. Bombs were thrown at Bethlehem

A BASELESS STATEMENT (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, June 9. The statement which appeared in the Arabic press suggesting that the High Commissioner for Palestine was prepared to suspend immigration is entirely devoid of all foundation.

REASON FOR ARAB RESISTANCE LONDON, June 10. (Received June 10, at 11.15 p.m.) The Times Jerusalem correspondent says: “The arrival of military reinforcements suggests that the Government will no longer court the moderating influence of the Arab leaders to restore order, but will depend primarily on forcible repression of violence. Nevertheless, it is doubted whether military action alone is capable’of producing conditions in which the establishment of a Jewish national home can be continued satisfactorily. There is ample evidence of genuine alarm having been created among all classes of Arabs by the rapid increase of Jewish immigration in recent years, and, even admitting the effects of agitation and intimidation, there is not the slightest doubt - that the present resistance movement is morally supported by the whole Arab population.”