Further evidence that the general strike against Jewish immigration and sale of land to Jews is weakening developed today when Christian Arabs gradually began to open their shops. Arab Moslems, however, continued to press the strike.
Anti-Jewish disorders of a minor character were reported today from various sections of the country.
In Nazareth, an Arab crowd stoned the automobile in which Sholom Asch, famous American Jewish novelist, was riding on route to Haifa. Arriving in Haifa, Asch declared that police had frightened the Arabs away, but that later the car was again stoned and its windows broken.
The police of Jerusalem had their hands full keeping Arab youngsters from strewing the streets with nails in an effort to stop automobile traffic. A number of young Arabs were arrested and were found with pockets full of nails.
There were other reports of a more encouraging nature, strongly indicating a gradual return to a normal state of affairs. In several parts of the country, for example, Arab villagers were reported visiting Jewish colonies, expressing their regret over relent disturbances and voicing the hope that they would be able to live in peace with the Jews.
A similarly reassuring note was struck in Tel Aviv when the minorities of that all-Jewish city informed the some 9,500 refugees quartered there that they could safely return to the Hatikvah, Florentine and Avoda suburbs.
INCENDIARY ACTS REPORTED
Acts of incendiarism were reported from the Valley of Israel, with crops at Tel Adashim and Shita being burned. Yesterday, other fields in that section were set afire by Arabs, with considerable damage to crops. Police promised to patrol the area on mounts to prevent further blazes. Tension subsided in the Jewish colonies of the Hefer Valley after the Government ordered special patrols to keep close watch.
Other incidents reported yesterday included the following:
Fields were set afire at Gan Igar. A fire broke out at the Tel Yoseff water station. Destruction of a Jewish wholesale grocery store with damage estimated at $50,000 was laid to arson. Fire destroyed a freight car at the Acre railroad station.
Four Arabs and a British officer were wounded at Tul Karem when troops dispersed a demonstration at the Government offices by calling our armored cars. Twelve Arab boys were arrested at Ramleh for stoning Jewish automobiles.
ANTI-STRIKE MOVEMENT GAINS
The movement among the Arabs against the general strike was reported gaining headway as influential Arab merchants in Jaffa and Haifa and many laborers expressed opposition to it. The strike committee at Haifa asked harbor workers to walk out.
It was reported yesterday that delegations from all over the country were coming to Jerusalem to receive instructions from the new Arab executive formed at a meeting of Arab parties Saturday to press the strike and not negotiate with the Government until Jewish immigration was completely halted. The group also demanded prohibition of land sales to Jews and a national Government responsible to a Parliament.
The executive includes Haj Amin el Husseini, the Grand Mufti, president; Dr. Hussein Khalidi, Mayor of Jerusalem; Ragheb Bey Nashashibi, the ex-Mayor; Auni Abdul Hadi, Ahmad Hilmy Pasha, Jamal el Husseini, president of the Palestine Arab Party; Yacoub Farraj, Alfred Rock, of the Arab Christian group; Altif Salah and Yacoub Hussein.
At Migdal, near the Jewish colony of Petach Tikvah, two Jewish workers entered the house on business and were taken out wounded. Reports from several places in the Israel Valley said that orchards had been damaged. A hut in the Kvutza Rodges settlement of the Beth Alpha colony was fired.
TEL AVIV LISTS DAMAGES
The Tel Aviv municipal council yesterday drew up a list of damages and losses of life in recent disorders preparatory to demanding compensation from the Government. District Commissioner Crosbie visited Mayor Meier Dizengoff to discuss measures for security.
The all-Jewish city was she altering 9,500 refugees from disorders in neighboring Jaffa and Suburbs. The municipality granted thirty mills (three cents) per head and the Government was reported granting £285 (about $1,425) a day. Hope was expressed that part of the refugees would return to their homes during the week.
Police took a special train with 300 Hauranis, said to have played a great part in recent disorders, from Jaffa to Haifa where more were picked up for expulsion to Transjordan.
Dairy supplies from Tnuva were brought to Tel Aviv via Haifa under a police guard. With the influx of refugees the city had been threatened with a food shortage.
The Jewish National Council issued a proclamation of condolence to the families of the killed and wounded, to the Jews in Palestine and throughout the would. It stated that the Jewish community here would maintain its position, conscious of its strength.
The statement said the Jewish people were seeking quietly and peacefully to build up the country and live at peace with the Arabs, adding, “we will oppose constructive deeds against the destructive forces.”
The small smaritan community at Nablus decided to abstain from holding its Passover sacrifice ceremony on May 5 if order was not restored.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
