SEARCH FOR TERRORISTS IN JERUSALEM

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 January 1947, Page 5

SEARCH FOR TERRORISTS IN JERUSALEM

' BRITISH TROOPS, AGAIN ACTIVE, GATHER IN SUSPECTS Received 11.10 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 30 Following the release of Mr. I. W. Collins (formerly an army major) by Jewish terrorists, British troops are making a thorough search in an endeavour to locate his captors. Two suburbs in Jerusalem are being searched thoroughly and, so far, at least six arrests have been made. It is clear from what has been said by Mr. Collins’ captors, and those who held Judge Windham, that the immediate objective was to hold them as hostages against action taken by the British against Dov Gruner, Jewish terrorist under sentence of death. Gruner was to have been executed on Tuesday, but the British authorities received word that he was intending to appeal to the Privy Council. His execution was stayed. The kidnapping took place just before that. Later. Gruner’s lawyer said he would not appeal. Terrorists have said that their immediate objective had been achieved. Gruner was not executed, therefore they were prepared to release both hostages. Menahem Beigin, the Irgun Zvai Leumi commander, replying over the secret radio to Mr. Creech Jones’ statement that further terrorism would mean the imposition of military control in Palestine, said: “We don’t fear your threats. The British will pay sevenfold if they execute Gruner.”

It is reliably learned that the Palestine Government last night put in motion maeiiinery to clamp down statutory martial law on one-third of Palestine, says Reuter’s Jerusalem correspondent. Tins was subject to immediate halting if the terrorists released Mr. Collins. The “Exchange Telegraph’’ correspondent says that the decision followed talks between Sir Alan Cunningham and the J.wish leaders. The measure was to include the cutting off of Tel-Aviv and neighbouring Jewish townships and also the Jewish areas

. of Jerupsalem. All communications and transport within these areas would hav e been brought to a stand--1 still. 1 General Dempsey held a special 1 high-level conference yesterday which i s reported to have discussed future steps to prevent a repetition of kidnappings and arrangements for the evacuation of all British wives and children from Palestine. Tu e Jewish leaders rgmt representatives to the Palestine Government to find out its attitude now that Judge Windham had Wen released six hours hours before Sir Alan Cunningham’s deadline for- the release of the kidnapped men.