Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Only Palestine Residents Can Join New Regiment, War Office Rules

October 14, 1942
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Enlistment in the new Palestine Regiment, which is to be composed of Jewish and Arab infantry battalions, will be confined to residents of Palestine and “it is not intended to enlist in the regiment any persons not residing in Palestine itself,” it was stated today by the Director of Recruitment and Mobilization of the War Office, in a letter to the Angle-American Committee for a Jewish Army.

The committee had asked the War Office for the training and eventual transfer to Palestine of a number of Palestinians new living in Britain, who are prepared to join the new regiment.

The British Government’s continued refusal to allow the formation of a separate Jewish army in Palestine was assailed today by Lord Strabolgi, Laborite peer, speaking at a meeting in Glasgow, “If the Germans reached Palestine the Britishers might retreat, but the Jews are deemed,” Lord Strabolgi declared. “What sort of government have we which refuses these people the right to bear arms, and at least die fighting.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement