Diplomatic information has been received here the effect that the British have landed troops at the Red Sea port of Aqaba in Transjordan. This information indicates that definite action has already been taken the British to counter Israeli military successes, although no information has been ##rthcoming that the British intend to commit the troops.Informed sources here believe that current attacks in London against the Israelis as “aggressors,” plus today’s Cabinet meeting on the Middle East problem may be intended to screen the Aqaba development.
Informed quarters here describe as inaccurate information presented today to the British Cabinet by Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin that Israeli forces had occurred two air bases in Egyptian territory. According to information available here either of the two bases–Rafah and El Arish–are in Israeli hands.
Rafah, on the Egyptian-Israeli border, has been attacked by Israeli planes, at no troops are inside the town, It is reported. An indication of the absence of Israeli troops is the fact that Israeli planes bombed the town two nights ago. El?rish, according to this information, was attacked about a week ago in a commando said aimed at crippling the air base. The Israeli commandos were veterans of similar ?eids during the war against Rommel’s bases.
An answer to the U.S. request for information from Israel on the current military situation regarding Egypt is expected here momentarily.
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.
