An official account of what occurred at the Jewish detention camp in Eritrea on Jan. 17, when two prisoners were killed and twelve wounded, was reported today in an official communique issued by the Palestine Government.
The disturbances began when a prisoner was wounded by a guard at whom he is alleged to have flung a stone. As three British soldiers and two detainees carried the wounded man towards the camp gate en route to the hospital they were joined by 20 other internees.
The sentry on duty at the gate refused to allow the group to pass out pending the arrival of guards. The prisoners, the communique said, then attempted to break out and were fired upon by the guards. In the melee two were killed and the others wounded. An official court of inquiry found that the guards were justified in shooting.
Meanwhile, it was announced here today that Chief Rabbi Isaac Herzog, accompanied by Mizrachi leader Hershel Farbstein, is leaving for Eritrea, as the first step in a projected visit to the surviving Jewish communities of Europe and the displaced persons camps. While in Eritrea they will inquire into the details of the outbreak.
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