English Press Puzzled over Britain’s Flat Refusal to Form a Jewish Army

Leading British newspapers were puzzled today over the news that the British Government has flatly refused to permit the establishment of a Jewish Army and has officially notified the Jewish Agency to this effect in a letter dated October 15th.

Pointing to the services rendered by Palestine Jewish soldiers in the battles of Libya, Syria, Greece and Crete, the London Times in an editorial today asks: “Why should their aid be declined? There seems to be little logic in denying to such units already in existence the right to we? badges and to describe themselves as Jews.” Arguing that this right was accorded to the Jews in the last war, the article comes to the conclusion that official circles are apparently anxious not to stir up Arab suspicions.

The Manchester Guardian, dismisses the official argument advanced in the letter of the Colonial Office to the Jewish Agency that lack of military equipment prevents the establishment of a Jewish Army. Stressing the need for man-power, the Guardian writes: “We ought to welcome Jewish troops. Do we sit so easily on our seats that we can afford to reject the formation of a Jewish division which would be the nucleus of a larger Jewish force?”