Rioters Freed on Bail; Police Action Upheld by Jewish Agency Executive

Seventeen youths, most of them members of the Brith Trumpeldor, militant right-wing Zionist youth group, were released on bail today following their arrest on the charge of participating in the Tel Aviv riots last Saturday. Specifically, they were charged with violation of the statute against forming a procession without a permit. The proceedings of the trial lasted all day and took place before Magistrate Ralph B. Bodilly, who presided.

The Magistrate ruled that hearings will be resumed on Dec. 27. In the meantime the young men were enjoined from participating in political meetings of whatever nature.

Five witnesses testified for the government. They included Inspector Schiff, who averred that he heard the defendants shout anti-government, anti-immigration protests during the demonstration. It was also alleged that the defendants shouted “We won’t disperse. We want a month imprisonment, like Jamal Hussein” (member of the Arab Executive sentenced for participation in the Jerusalem disorders).

In Jerusalem a statement was issued by Moshe Shertok, member of the political department of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, and Isaac Ben-Zvi, of the political department of the Vaad Leumi, Jewish National Council of Palestine, justifying the action of the police in using forceful measures to suppress the demonstration at Tel Aviv. The essence of the statement was sent to R. G. B. Spicer, Commandant of Police. Its text, given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, follows:

“The executive of the Jewish Agency deeply deplores the recent disturbances in Tel Aviv. The resentment was caused by measures against tourists (taken by the government and provoked by Arab agitation). This, however, does not justify the use of violence against the policemen who were performing their duty.

“This resentment would never have resulted in an outbreak, however, except that the demonstration following the Revisionist meeting inevitably led to a clash with police in which some members of the public were involved.

“The shameful incident was possible only in the peculiar atmosphere created by tourist hunting, and contrasts with the appreciation the Jewish community entertains for the vital importance of the functions the police discharge.

“The Palestine police are the bulwark of the country’s security and are often called on to perform unpopular acts when enforcing law and order. But any attempt to retaliate against individual constables is not worthy of a civilized community and must meet, as in the present case, with the strongest condemnation by all responsible Jewish circles.”