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Jabotinsky Assails Palestine’s Handling of Disturbances

May 22, 1936
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The Palestine Government was sharply criticized today by Vladimir Jabotinsky, president of the New Zionist Organization and a leader of the Jewish Legion which helped conquer Palestine for the British, for failure to take measures to prevent the current disturbances.

Speaking at a conference of newspapermen, Mr. Jabotinsky charged the Government with dilatory tactics after the disturbances had started.

Condemning the authorities for their failure to make possible Jewish self-defense, Mr. Jabotinsky said:

“The proper and indispensable course was the establishment of legalized Jewish self defense, fully trained and equipped. Existence of such a body would put the Palestine Government in a position of being able to carry out the policy of the Balfour Declaration and the mandate without fear of Arab intimidation and without fear that Arab opposition might involve the imperial Government in heavy military expenditure.”

Mr. Jabotinsky attacked the proposal to send a Royal Commission to investigate the disorders as a concession to Arab violence and intimidation and an effort to satisfy the Arabs. He warned that Jews must view the scheme with the gravest apprehension.

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