The Hebrew newspaper Davar reported from Mecca today that Emir Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia has started purchasing German arms and ammunition and has invited a Syrian officer to reorganize his army. At the same time the newspaper declared that Ibn Saud has to some extent lost his interest in the Palestine question because of a cold reception to indirect suggestions that one of his sons be enthroned in the event an independent Palestine state is created.
Meanwhile, like all countries within possible range of a major war in Europe, Palestine has become air-raid conscious. A great deal of semi-public air raid precautions activity has been under way for several months, sponsored by Jewish institutions and organizations. The Government, however, had not taken official action, an commission which was much criticized by the press.
Now, however, the administration has called an air-raid precautions expert from London to advise on preparations for protecting the populace of the Holy Land. A gas mask factory is being built in Haifa by a Jewish firm, which transferred its business from Czecho Slovakia. Another firm has contracted to import British-made masks. Local air raid committees have been set up by Jewish institutions in the cities, and are at present engaged in training volunteers for safety and first-aid work. In Tel Aviv this activity is being carried on under sponsorship of the municipal administration.
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.
