Haganah Moves to Curb Extremists; Maps Plan to Avoid Civil War Among Jewish Groups

In what is believed to be one of the first steps taken by the Haganah to implement its declared policy of curbing extremist outrages, a large mine planted by either the Irgun Zvai Leumi or the Stern Group near government buildings here was removed today by members of the Haganah.

It is understood that the Haganah learned that a large, powerful mine had been placed on Mamilah Road, where several government offices are located. Without notifying the authorities, it sent one of its members to the location. He dismantled the mine and removed it without attracting the attention of the police.

The action followed a secret meeting of Haganah leaders, who were summoned to an urgent conference to discuss measures which have been mapped to thwart the extremists without precipitating civil war within the Jewish community.

NO PARTITION PROPOSAL RECEIVED FROM BRITAIN, JEWISH AGENCY SAYS

A Jewish Agency spokesman today denied rumors that the Agency was negotiating with leaders of the extremist organizations in an attempt to persuade them to halt their activities. He also denied that the Agency had received any partition proposal from the British Government or is negotiating with the government concerning any such proposal.

He revealed that the Jewish internees at Cyprus are refusing to move to winter quarters prepared for them, in protest against being forced to remain on the island. The Agency, he said, is demanding their transfer to camps in Palestine.

The country’s rail service resumed operation today after a three-day suspension, with a large portion of available combat troops guarding the right of way. Every foot of track and roads adjoining the rails are being patrolled.

British troops, meanwhile, are completing the most extensive maneuvers ever held here. Thousands of troops have been engaged in mock battles in Palestine and Transjordan for the past three months. An armored formation of the Arab Legion played the role of the enemy.

Violent explosions which shook the outskirts of Haifa this afternoon, and which led to reports that terrorists had launched new attacks, turned out to be part of the maneuvers.

The Arab press reports that plans have been worked out to erect a barbed wire fence on the Egyptian border. The inspector-general of the Egyptian police is reported to be touring the entire border area by plane, including the Sinai Peninsula, where mobile police patrols have been stationed.