PALESTINE DISORDERS.

Wairarapa Age, 28 May 1936, Page 7

PALESTINE DISORDERS.

STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION LATER. RUGBY, May 26. The Dominions Secretary in a House of Commons answer regarding the disturbances in Palestine, said that the state of unrest, accompanied by sporadic acts of violence, still continued. Press reports indicated that the most serious disturbances which had taken place occurred in Gaza yesterday. He was glad to say that order had been restored there. In addition to other measures, the High Commissioner had taken steps to restrict the movements of agitators and strike leaders. Authority was given earlier in the year for increases in the British and Palestinian sections of the police, and the High Commissioner had recently authorised the enrolment of a number of ex-constables as supernumerary police. The military garrison had been substantially reinforced since the outbreak of unrest.

Regarding the appointment of a Royal Commission after order had been restored, there was no reason to suppose that this would not be generally acceptable. It was not yet possible to make any .statement about the terms of reference or the personnel of the Commission.

In an address at the Levant Fair at Tel Aviv, the High Commissioner, Sir Arthur Wauchope, referred to the ‘ ' most regrettable disturbances and the many acts of lawlessness of the late few weeks,” and said: "During the past four weeks law-abiding citizens of this country, under deep provocation, have shown restraint which is highly appreciated by me. This spirit of restraint is admirable in itself and most helpful to the Government. I again assure you that no strike and no acts of violence will cause the Government to deflect from its determination to discharge in full its obligation under the mandate.’’—(British Official Wireless).