The Palestine Government was faced today with a series of demands by Palestine Jews, including proclamation of limited martial law and establishment of a Jewish military unit to end current disturbances.
High Commissioner Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope’s cool reception to a delegation of seven from the Jewish National Assembly which called upon him to present the demands was taken in Jewish circles here as an indication that the government did not intend to comply.
The delegation held that martial law was necessary in as yet unpacified sections of the country and that formation of a Jewish military unit to aid the military and police would be of assistance in the campaign to put an end to the disorders.
In addition, it protested against the expected stoppage of immigration in the Holy Land and consideration of such a measure by the Government during present negotiations with Arab diplomat intermediaries from Iraq and Trans-Jordan. Remonstrations were presented against the exiling to concentration camps of four Tiberias Jews.
Replying only to the plea on immigration, Sir Arthur said he was unable to amend the statement made last month by William G.A. Ormsby-Gore, Colonial Secretary, that stoppage would be considered by the British government on “the merits of the case.”
Meanwhile, leaders of the Jewish settlement in Achuzat Herbert Samuel, near Haifa, refused to pay a $1,250 collective fine imposed by the authorities for the shooting of an Arab woman there last week. The fine was the first levied on a Jewish colony.
An unofficial Arab delegation which visited London to ascertain opinion in British quarters will return tomorrow.
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