BLOODSHED IN TEL AVIV

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 271, 16 November 1945, Page 5

BLOODSHED IN TEL AVIV

BRITISH TROOPS CALLED OUT TO QUELL DISORDERS

DEMONSTRATORS DRIVEN FROM STREETS

Recil. 8.30 p.m. London, Nov. 15. Dying and wounded Jews lay in the streets and shops of Tel Aviv after British airborne forces went into action, says the “Daily Mail's” correspondent. The Associated Press correspondent says that latest reports state the crowds dispersed about 10 p.m., when a huge poster illuminated by searchlights was erected in the city’s main square, warning the people to disperse immediately, otherwise the British would open fire.

Extensive rioting, with heavy shooting, last night broke out in the streets of Tel Aviv after groups of youths had set fire to Government offices and stoned police who hastened to the scene, reports Reuter’s Jerusalem correspondent. British troops were called into action to quell the rioting. They opened fire, firing low when crowds broke in and began wrecking the office of the newspaper ‘"Palestine Post.” Eight people wore wounded in the legs. Armoured cars carrying loud speakers patrolled the streets, ordering everyoody to their homes.

The outbreak of violence followed a mass demonstrat.on yesterday afternoon, in which between 40,000 and 50,000 people participated, shouting: "Down with the White r J aper Government of Attlee and Bevin.’’

Youths, after a demonstration on AHenby Road, Tel Aviv, set fire to Government district offices with blazing torches. Crowds prevented the voluntary fire brigade from extinguishing the blaze and stoned a pol ce party which was rushed to the scene. Crowds set fire to income tax offices in the same building. As the fighting went on between the demonstrators and police in nearbystreets. military lorries speeding through the c.tv were heavily stoned. Crowds then broke into a light industries office, threw goods from the office into the street and set fire to the building, which was soon completely ablaze, with heavy explosions going on inside. Reuter's Jerusalem correspondent says that marauding Arabs exchanged shots with the armed crew of a British lorry on the JerusalemJericho road. A United States sergeant were slightly wounded. A clash between Arab shepherds and Jewish youths near Haifa was also reported. One Arab and one Palestine constable were slightly injured. A secret Jewish radio station of the Hagana organisation yesterday' afternoon called on Jews in Palestine and abroad actively to resist the British policy, as outlined by Mr. Bevin. The Jerusalem correspondent of “The Times" says the Z.o;iist reaction to Mr. Bevin'c statement was so immediate and strong that it was rejected almost before it was read, certainly before it had received calm and dispassionate study. It was described as "sterile and deeply disappointing and one to which Jews can never submit.”

The Cairo correspondent of the Associated Press says Azzam Bey, after a special two-hour meeting of the Arab League Council, said:—"All Arabs have a right to be consulted. Justice is on our s.de. We welcome the decision for British and Arne: ican investigation."

The Arab League appointed a committee to study Mr. Bevin’s statement and report at the next regular meeting on November 20 before tak ng formal action.

The authorities imposed a curfew in Tel Aviv last night and, it will operate until further notice. British troops who opened fire were member:; of the 6th. Airborne Division. An illegal radio station in Jerusalem operated by the Jewish Hagana organisation, has called on Jews in Palestine and abroad to begin active resistance against "a policy condemning the Jewish national effort in Palestine to stagnation.” A umber of Jewish constables, including an officer who was guarding the Government offices, were admitted to hospital earlier yesterday after heavy stone throwing. Tel Aviv residents last night fled from the trouble centres as police and troops tightened their hold on the situation.

An Associated Press correspondent In Jerusalem said that several hundred Jewish youths yesterday afternoon stoned bus drivers in Jerusalem as a protest against their working during the general strike. A few* passengers were injured. The Holy City late last night was quiet.