Over 400 Jews Arrested in Tel Aviv As Searches Continue into Second Day; Arms Uncovered

More than 400 Jewish men and women were arrested today and sent to the Latrun and Raffa detention camps, as the British troops occupying Tel Aviv completed the second day of their searches.

Fifty thousand persons were interrogated during the past two days, 13 of whom are reported to be suspected terrorists for whom the British have been searching, The searches have generally been without incident although one person was wounded to day and one soldier was accidentally killed.

Thirty-six hours after the imposition of the “shoot to kill” curfew, the Jews were allowed to leave their homes for two hours between 5-7 p.m. to obtain food. Jewish police were permitted to assist in the distribution of food. The only major utility service operating in the city is the electric generating plant which is under the control of British engineer troops.

Tonight’s official communique states that a considerable quantity of arms, ammunition and British paratroopers’ uniforms were discovered in the cellar of the Great Synagogue here. The troops also found a printing press with equipment to forge government bonds, and 20,000 bonds and a radio transmitter. Arms and ammunition were found in three other houses.

The eleven members of the Tel Aviv municipal council were brought in jeeps, escorted by a military detachment, to this morning’s extraordinary session of the council. Mayor Rokach reported on his negotiations with Maj. Gen. A.J.H. Cassel, military commander of the city, concerning measures to be taken to provide adequate food and sanitary facilities.

The council unanimously adopted a resolution protesting the military’s accusation that the entire population of the city was involved in terrorism. It also demanded a shorter curfew and a guarantee against plundering during the searches.