WAR WITH BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26214, 26 July 1946, Page 5

WAR WITH BRITAIN

JEWISH ARMED FORCE LEADERS’ DECLARATION FIGHT FOR FREEDOM (Rec. II p.m.) LONDON, July 25. Relays of Royal Engineers attached to the Sixth Airborne Division are still searching a great pile of rubble for survivors of the King David Hotel outrage, but the doctors now believe that it is impossible for anybody to be still alive. Sinve 10 o’clock last night there has been no response to the searchers, who, while the tremendous clatter of cranes and drills is hushed, are calling out for anyone able to speak. The Hebrew daily newspaper Haaretz, which usually follows Dr Weizmann’s moderate party line, demands the resignation >of the Jewish Agency and Jewish Council executives. The paper condemns the agency’s statement on the outrage, alleging that the Jew/fsh institutions do not understand that something has happened which will profoundly change their position. According to a statement issued tc its members yesterday, the policy of Irgun Zvai Leumi is “ war with Britain until freedom is achieved.” , This was revealed by the Jerusalem correspondent of The Times, who quotes the mostauthentic source possible. The correspondent says its organising strength is greater and the power and influence behind it are more extensive than imagined. The men and women who form the backbone of the force originated from Europe, particularly White Russia and Poland. Many of them had partisan training. They are largely recent arrivals in illegal immigrant ships. The force is also recruited from Palestine youths, many of whom came from influential families. In addition to these trained soldiers, there are men who could pass as Arabs and women who could fight or nurse. Irgun Zvai Leumi was formed in 1938 as an armed force for the Zionist movement. Irgun during the war practically ceased to be associated with the revisionists. Realising that war issues came first, they declared for cooperation with Britain until 1943, when they were dissatisfied with Britain’s attitude towards their political aims. Irgun’s present leader is Menachem Beigin, who served as a corporal in the Polish Army. He was released in 1944, but a reward of £2OOO is now offered for his capture. Irgun’s emblem is a fist clenching a rifle superimposed on an outline of Palestine -and the Jordan, and its motto is “only thus.”

The revisionists’ leaders are men of wealth who are seen on social occasions. The president of the World Executive is Dr L. Altman, of Jerusalem. Two leaders, Wolfgang Weisl and Dr G. Shofman, are at present detained in Latrun. While it is generally accepted that Haganah did not know the plans for Monday's attack and would have prevented it if possible, Irgun is apparently strong enough to intimidate organisations and individuals alike.