Terrorist Activities in Palestine Believed Attempt to Revitalize Irgun

There are many diverse political and psychological factors behind the renewed campaign of terror in Palestine, which was signalled by exploding bombs in Tel Aviv and Jaffa last week, according to well informed observers here.

It was obvious, they say, that the Irgun Zvai Leumi, shattered and disorganized as it has been for the last ten months, must undertake some action. Firstly, inorder to show its own membership that it still exists, and, secondly, to remind the Jewish community and the world that it is still determined to shape the destiny of Palestine Jewry.

Before last week’s violence, the Irgun had made several unsuccessful attempts to attract the attention of the Jewish community, and, in fact, the entire world: They tried to blow up the pipeline in northern Palestine, but were foiled by the police, the seized a truck carrying explosives and four terrorists. They then attempted to bomb police barracks in Sarona and to destroy the railway bridge near Raselein but Both efforts were unsuccessful.

All that the Irgun can show for its work is a few damaged telegraph poles, which is a very small reward for months of intensive preparations, especially since the group is reported to be running short of funds and members. It is thought that the organization does not have more than 60 members at present, organized into groups of five. This form of organization, however, makes it difficult to apprehend the terroists, since they can maneuver easily.

It is believed that what funds the Irgun has come from the sale of goods they obtain in raids on government warehouses and private enterprises and individuals. It is doubted that the terrorists get any funds from foreign powers, which had been rumored. It is also rumored that some money is obtained by them from voluntary contributions within Palestine and from abroad and through extortion.

Although the sums at their disposal – however obtained – are not large, they are sufficient to keep a spark of unrest alive. It enables them to obtain some arms and manufacture others. Their favorite weapon is a home-made trench mortar, which the police have jokingly dubbed the “V-3.” It has various ranges and can be buried in the ground, with the end of the muzzle flush with the earth, making it difficult to detect.

The renewed terrorist activities have brought forth almost unanimous contermination from the Jewish community. Editorials in the Hebrew dailies this week castrated the Irgun as an enemy of the Yishub and as evil-doers who menace the welfare of the country. Strong measures to curb their operations are demanded.