Forty-four Arabs were reported killed tonight in a sanguinary engagement with troops and army planes near the village of Jeba, north of Nablus.
The battle began when a large band attacked two military detachments, accompanied by two reconnaissance planes. The pilot of one was injured and made a forced landing.
Six more planes were called to the scene, which sprayed the rebels with machine-gun fire, reportedly killing 41. Troops advancing against the Arabs accounted for three more.
The wounded pilot was taken to the hospital by his fellow aviator. No other casualties were reported among the Government forces.
Lieutenant R.G. Borrodaille of the Cameron Highlander Regiment was wounded in another engagement between Arabs and troops aided by police near Hebron. The battle lasted until darkness fell. The Arab casualties were not immediately ascertained.
With Lieut. Gen. John Greer Dill organizing a force of 30,000–including reinforcements en route from England–it was reliably reported tonight that martial law will be proclaimed Sept. 27, unless the Arabs unconditionally end their strike and terrorism beforehand.
Arab quarters, particularly citrus growers, impatiently a waited the results of negotiations the Iraq consul was understood to be conducting at Haifa looking toward cessation of hostilities. Arab rulers of neighboring countries were reported contemplating an appeal for the end of violence.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
