Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Israeli Government Refuses to Accept Immigration Restrictions; Warned by Extremists

June 8, 1948
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Israeli Government will oppose any cease-fire if it is conditional on restricting immigration, it was announced here today. During a six-hour meeting of the 37-member Provisional Government Council last night it developed that the vast majority of the “body refused to accept such restrictions as a necessary condition of the Security Council truce.

The Irgun last night warned the government that “surrender” on the issue of immigration will be “shattered against the resistance rock of the masses and youth.” Charging that the Security Council truce was worked out by British intelligence, the Irgun statement warned the government against falling “in the trap laid for it” by British delegate Sir Alexander Cadogan at Lake Success. The statement ended with the assertion that it expressed the feeling of “tens of thousands of Hebrew soldiers on all fronts who are sacrificing their living not for a ghetto which will be crushed by Bevin’s boot, but for a sovereign independent state.”

The Irgun also issued a statement explaining that it has not dissolved as a political or military organization, but has nearly entered the Jewish army in the territory of Israel. In Jerusalem and abroad the organization will continue its activities, including fund-raising and the organization of a “freedom movement.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement