Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Palestine Government Considers Warrant for Ex-mufti’s Arrest Still Valid

September 6, 1946
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A warrant issued in 1937 for the arrest of the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem is still valid, Richard Stubbs, Palestine Government information officer, revealed at a press conference here today.

The general assembly of the Palestine Arab Party today adopted a resolution calling for the unconditional return of the Mufti to Palestine. The session also endowed the Palestine Arab Higher Committee’s rejection of the British invitation to participate in the forthcoming London talks on Palestine. It also reiterated demands for the release of Arab political prisoners and the disarming of the Jewish community.

A spokesman for the party said that 2,000 recruits had joined Jamel Husseini’s “Youth” army in Jerusalem within the last few weeks. A blackmarket in arms for the Arabs is reported to be smuggling hundreds of weapons across the Palestine borders of Transjordan, Syria and Lebanon. It is estimated that Husseini’s “Youth” army of 13,000 is already one-third armed, while the “Helpers,” another unofficial Arab army of 5,000, has approximately 2,500 weapons. The Moslem Brotherhood’s private army is also partially equipped with rifles, submachine guns and revolvers.

It is reported here that British officers and troops and Palestine policemen have been selling weapons to the Arab extremists in ever-increasing quantities.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement