CHAPTER FOUR - part 2 of 2 | go to part 1

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE REPORTS

AB - Airborne
AFS - Air Formation Signals
BD - Battledress
Bde - Brigade
Bde Fd Amb - Brigade Field Ambulance
Bdy - Boundary
Bn - Battalion
CID - Counter Intelligence Division
Civ - Civilian
Col - Colonel
Comd - Command
Comd Pro Coy - Command Provost Company
Coy - Company
Cwt - Hundred weight
F/Lt. - Flight Lieutenant
Fwd - Forwarded
Gd - Guard
HLI - Highland Light Infantry
Inf Bde - Infantry Brigade
IPC - Iraq Petroleum Company
1 S LAN R - 1st South Lancashire Regiment
IZL - Irgun Z'vai Leumi
JSP - Jewish Settlement Police
K.D. - Coldmarine Guards
LHI - Fighters for Freedom of Israel (Stern Gang)
MC - Military car
MI - Military Intelligence
Mov Camp - Movements camp
MR - Map Reference
NCO - Non-Commissioned Officer
NMO - National Military Organization
OR - Ordinary Regular (Soldier)
Para - Paratroops
Pte. - Private
RAP - Royal Air Force
RE - Royal Engineer
RHQ - Regimental Headquarters
Rfn - Rifleman
SA - Small arms
Sta - Station
Sigmn - Signalman
Tps - Troops
Tp train - Troop train
Trg camp - Training Camp
Wksps - Workshops

REPORTS FROM THE PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

1939-1945

Note: LHI = the Stern Gang
IZL = the Irgun Z'vai Leumi
NMO = the National Military Organization

12 APRIL 1939
Following land mine explosion in Tiberias on the 12th April military authorities have imposed a fine of 200 pounds on Akran Jewish quarter of the town where the explosion took place and have ordered a curfew on the quarter until the fine is paid.
FO 37 ID3244

7 JUNE 1939
Outrages by Jewish extremists have continued. On 7th June 2 bomb explosions in telephone manhole at Tel Aviv damaged a number of telephone lines. 2 bombs also exploded on railway line near Tel Aviv station doing little damage. On same date Jew shot dead an Arab in Jerusalem.
FO 37l/23244

8 JUNE 1939
On 8th June about 2200 hours 13 time bombs exploded Jerusalem all (?directed) at electric light system. 5 transformers damaged but little interruption to lighting service. On 9th June Jewess arrested placing time bomb near central prison Jerusalem.
FO 371D3244

15 JUNE 1939
Early this morning 3 Arabs were shot at by an unknown Jew at Jaffa, one of them being killed and two wounded. Shortly afterwards 2 bombs were thrown by 3 Jews at an Arab shack. One exploded harmlessly and the other failed to explode. Following these incidents Military Commander of the Southern District has prohibited traffic into and out of Tel Aviv from 12 noon today until 7 p.m. tomorrow. Last night 17 Jews were arrested in Tel Aviv for curfew breaking.
FO 371/23244

17 JUNE 1939
This morning two Jews in Tel Aviv fired with revolvers on a party of Arabs in a cart while a third threw a bomb. One Arab was slightly injured. FO 37 ID3244

19 JUNE 1939
A bomb exploded in Haifa Vegetable Market at 0600 hours this morning killing 18 Arabs including 6 women and 3 children and wounded 24. Further bomb explosions occurred in a telephone kiosk in Hadar Hacarmel and in a telephone cable manhole.
FO 37 ID3244

29 JUNE 1939
Following the killing and wounding of a number of Arabs in six separate shooting attacks by Jews this morning the Military Commander of the Southern District has prohibited all traffic to and from Tel Aviv and Rehovoth and Petah Tikva from noon today until 4 p.m. tomorrow. They all occurred about 0500 hours as follows. One Arab fatally shot by an unknown Jew in the Jaffa Road; another in King Solomon's Street Tel Aviv. In the former (groups omitted) was wounded by a stray bullet.

Three Arabs fired upon, two being killed one wounded by two unknown Jews near Rarnatgan.

Two Arabs fired upon, one being killed one wounded by two unknown Jews outside Petahtikva.

A party of Arabs fired upon in Rehovoth by unknown, four being killed one wounded.

Four Arabs fired upon two being killed two wounded by unknown near Rishon Lezion Settlement.

FO 371/23244

30 JUNE 1939
Just before 1000 today a bomb of Jewish origin exploded in an Arab cafe in Jerusalem wounding one Arab dangerously 4 severely and six slightly. As a consequence the military Commander has ordered that all Jewish cafes in Jerusalem shall be closed every evening at 8 p.m. until further orders. In addition all Jewish traffic in and out of Jerusalem by the Jaffa road is stopped from noon today until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
FO 371/23244

3 JULY 1939
Following explosion of a time bomb in an Arab Cafe in Haifa yesterday afternoon killing one Arab and injuring 35, the Military Commander has closed all Jewish places of entertainment there such as Cinemas, Cafes, Dance Halls etc. for an indefinite period and has prohibited all Jewish taxis and private motorcars from entering or leaving town planning area of Haifa.
FO 371/23244

4 JULY 1939
Two Jews threw a bomb into an Arab Lorry near Rahavia quarter of Jerusalem early this morning. Three Arabs were injured the Jews escaping to Rahavia. As a punishment the Military Commander has ordered that all Jewish traffic unless granted a special pass will be prohibited from using Ramleh Jerusalem road until four tomorrow.
FO 37 ID3244

6 AUGUST 1939
On night 6th August party of Jews demolished Arab houses in Beit-Lidd. Houses had been marked by police dogs following land mine explosion on 29th July which wounded 5 Jews. This is the second incident of this type in Haifa area.
FO 371/23245

9 AUGUST 1939
On 9th August new police coastal patrol launch was sunk at sea by explosion. One British sergeant killed one British and one Jewish constable injured. Explosion believed due to Jewish time bomb.
FO 37 ID3245

26 AUGUST 1939
On 26 August two British Police Inspectors were killed by a landmine outside their house in Jerusalem. Outrage unquestionably planned by Revisionist Military Organization. One of the victims was employed on Jewish Affairs in C.I.D. Headquarters and had been previously threatened. Active measures being taken against extreme Revisionists.
W O 1691148

2 MARCH 1940
1030 hours crowds assembled as in Jerusalem but on larger scale. Attitude distinctly more hostile. Police stoned and three injured. Troops called out and curfew imposed 1100 hours. Troops and police enforced curfew but owing to large crowds, curfew not fully effective until 1600 hours when additional troops arrived. Curfew subsequently extended until 0900 hours Tuesday except for purchase of food by women from 0900- 1100 hours Sunday and Monday.

Large crowd demonstrated 1100 hours Hadar Hacarrnel. Stoned police Station and Law Courts. Dispersed by Police without assistance of troops. One constable injured. Troops called out to picquet town and reinforcements brought in from Jenin in anticipation further trouble. 1830 hours crowds reassembled Hadar Hacarrnel. Attitude definitely more hostile. Attempt made to burn Law Courts. Police baton charge dispersed crowd. Four Police injured. Curfew imposed 1900 hours 2nd March to 0400 hours 3rd March.

Hostile procession in town. Police stoned. Crowds dispersed without serious disorder.
WO 1691148

4 MARCH 1940
1730 hrs. Jewish student injured baton charge 2 March died 2000 hrs. Bomb exploded outside Eden and Orient Cinemas. No casualties. Manager, Zion cinema warned that same would occur if he opened. Bombs not of dangerous type and motive evidently intimidation. Troops called out. No incidents. Strike called for 0800-1000 hrs 5 March during funeral of student. 1 100 hrs 5 March. Funeral passed quietly.

No serious incidents. About 0200 hrs 4 March 20 masked Jews raided "Haboker" newspaper and smashed type. Reason that paper obeyed Censor and omitted Vaad Leumi manifesto 1 March. Small demonstration 1100 hrs 4 March and minor curfew breaking incidents. Day generally quiet.
W O 169/148

5 MARCH 1940
Jerusalem 1245 5 March crowds returned from funeral stoned D.C.'s office and broke shop windows. One Arab injured. Dispersed by Police. 1315 hours crowd attempt to burn Eden Cinema and barricade street. Dispersed by troops and police. 1415 hours Police tender stoned 4 police slightly injured.

Procession of women attempted march to D.C.'s office diverted by Police without incident. 141 5 crowd raided Hadar Hacarmel Post Office.

Dispersed by military. Crowd attempted burn Police Station. Police fired four shots crowd dispersed no casualties. Many shop windows, windscreens broken. 1445 hours Jewish detective seriously injured by crowd. 1500 hours barricades erected across main street cleared by Military. One soldier injured by bottle. 1600 hours crowd chased away guards and barricaded Post Office. 1830 hours 2 shots fired at Army officer in car and car stoned.
WO 169/148

10 March 1940
At 1900 hrs in Tel Aviv a B/Sgt. of Police was struck on the head by an unknown person. The Sgt. was slightly bruised and the culprit made his escape.
WO 169/183

12 MARCH 1940
At 2300 hrs. a Jewish constable was attacked and stabbed by unknown persons in Tel Aviv and seriously injured. Dogs followed scent but lost it where car apparently waited.
WO 169/183

13 MARCH 1940
A more serious incident on 13th March was the assault by a party of Jewish youths on a Jewish C.I.D. constable at Tel Aviv who was dangerously injured with iron bars and is unlikely to live. The victim was largely responsible for the arrest of a number of Labour leaders in or near Tel Aviv who have been detained for their part in fomenting disturbances during the past fortnight. There can be little doubt that the assailants were members of one or another of the militant Left groups acting in revenge, and the incident is thus a direct challenge to the Forces of law and order.
WO 169/148

15 MARCH 1940
At 1145 hrs. a shop window in Tel Aviv was broken by a crowd of people because the owner was selling Arab shoes.
WO 169/183

15 MARCH 1940
At 2000 hrs. an Arab was robbed of LP (Palestinian Pounds) 7 by 2 armed men in Yazur village. Both men were recognized. Police investigating.

Following the purchase of soap from an Arab vender, a shopkeeper in Tel Aviv had his shop window broken by an unknown person.
WO 169/183

18 MARCH 1940
Incendiary bombs of the battery and thermus flask type placed in a Police tender and against the door of the Police Transpost H.Q. in Tel Aviv. Bombs failed to explode.
WO 169/148

29 MARCH 1940
A group of Betar Youth damaged the stock in a store in Rosh Pina. The owner had purchased oranges from an Arab. Two offenders arrested.
WO 169/148

30 MARCH 1940
A fire broke out in a German Printing Press in Tel Aviv. LP 300 damage. Revisionists suspected.
WO l69/148

2 APRIL 1940
During a disturbance between Arabs and Jews near Sharona (Tiberia) when Jews tried to evict Arabs from a plot of land, four Arab women were slightly injured. One Jew was arrested.

Four Jews were arrested in Haifa for assaulting the driver and conductor of an Arab bus following a dispute over fares.
WO 169/148

3 APRIL 1940
During the night two private cars, one the property of an R.A.F. Officer, were damaged by gelignite and a bomb exploded harmlessly near the Mustashfa Police Barracks.
WO 169/148

6 APRIL 1940
An anti-Kofer Hayishuv movement is starting activities again. Payments have been demanded from firms who have paid the Kofer Hayishuv tax. The natural reluctance to pay a second imposition is met by threats and sabotage.
WO l69/183

7 APRIL 1940
1900 hours. Three unknown persons fired at DIConstable Weiderseld of the Haifa C.I.D. He was not injured and the assailants escaped.
WO 169/148

8 APRIL 1940
A fire broke out in Hambergers German printing press in Chancellor Avenue, Jerusalem. Arson is suspected.
WO 169/148

25 APRIL 1940
A number of Jewish labourers broke up a house in Tel Aviv. The owner was employing Arab labour in his orange grove.
WO l69/148

3 MAY 1940
Moussa Sabatini, a Sephardic Jew, was shot and fatally wounded by unknown persons in Haifa. The murder was the work of the Left Hagana by whom Sabatini had been threatened as a "traitor".
WO 169/148

26 JUNE 1940
Detective Constable Weinfeld was shot dead in Haifa by Jewish terrorists.
WO 169/148

27 JUNE 1940
Dr. Alfos of Tel Aviv received a letter threatening him and his wife with death if he did not contribute LP 100 to the Jewish National Fund.
WO 169/148

18 JULY 1940
At 17 10 hours, 18th July, a bedouin was assaulted by eight Jews near Tel Adashim (Nazareth) and seriously injured. Seven Jews were detained.
WO 1691148

22 JULY 1940
80 persons forcibly "occupied the Cafe Noga in Tel Aviv as a protest against the non-collection and non-payment of the tax by the proprietor.
WO 1691148

1 AUGUST 1940
35 youths "occupied" the Diza Cafe in Tel Aviv as a protest against the non-collection of the tax. Police dispersed the intruders and five arrests were made.
WO 1691148

15 AUGUST 1940
Revisionists set fire to two Egged buses, one in Tel Aviv and one in Herzeliya.
WO 1691148

21 AUGUST 1940
Three masked Jews, one armed, raided the Japhet Bank in Rehavia. Two, including the armed man, were arrested by passers-by but the third got away with LP. 709. The perpetrators were Revisionists.
WO 1691148

6 SEPTEMBER 1940
An Arab grazing his cattle on Jewish land near Haim Ed Walid (Huleh) was assaulted by a Jew and injured.
WO 1691148

16 SEPTEMBER 1940
Irgun Z'vai Leumi (Revisionist Military Organization) activity.

Bank Robbery. At 1 145 hrs. on 16th September, six armed masked Revisionists entered the Northern Branch of the Anglo-Palestine Bank in Tel Aviv and after intimidating the public by firing a number of shots they escaped with LP 5,000 in bank notes. They were pursued, and although the money has not been recovered a number of suspects have been arrested in incriminating circumstances. Two of them were found in possession of gold coins and bullion valued at over L (British Pounds) 750. The raid was carried out by the extremist faction of the Irgun Z'vai Leumi headed by Abraham Stern, and is described as an "expropriation for political ends". It is reported that the C.I.D. officer investigating the case has received a letter from the Irgun Z'vai Leumi warning him to refrain from further inquiries as the money was taken for a national cause.
WO 1691148

6 OCTOBER 1940
Four Jews, one of whom was armed and wearing a police uniform, entered two houses in Tel Aviv and produced search warrants. In the first case a woman who suspected them shouted out and they made off, and in the second case LP 540 was stolen.
WO 169/148

31 OCTOBER 1940
An Arab received head injuries during a dispute over grazing rights. Two Jews arrested.
WO 1691148

10 DECEMBER 1940
At approximately 11 :30 a.m. the Jewish strike which commenced at Haifa on 9.12.40 took effect throughout thecountry. In Haifa, two British Police were stoned when they attempted to prevent a crowd of people overturning a car, but were uninjured. Several cars, including a police armoured car, were stoned, and a girl cut by flying glass. An Arab taxi driver who was responsible for the arrest of a Jewish intimidator earlier in the day was set upon by a large crowd and received a broken arm and slight head injuries. In Tel Aviv a taxi was stoned. In Jerusalem a few windows were broken. Several persons were arrested in Tel Aviv and Haifa for distributing pamphlets and writing slogans directed against the Govemment on the walls of buildings. No incidents were reported from other parts of the country.
WO 1691148

19 DECEMBER 1940
A number of Arabs who commenced to plough land at Ashrafiyat near Beisan were attacked by a party of Jews with sticks and stones. Police proceeded to the scene and arrested 83 Jews who attempted to resist them. A number of Arabs were injured.
WO 1691148

14 JANUARY 1942
At 0830 hours an employee of the Hamashbir Supply Co., of Tel Aviv, a subsidiary of the Histadruth, left the Workers Bank (also Histadruth) carrying LP1093 in a satchel. He was attacked by two men who made off with the money. They were subsequently joined by a third man. After an interchange of shots, between one of them and British and Jewish Constables, during which two Jewish onlookers were killed, two men, both armed, were arrested. The man with the money is still at large. The assailants' rooms were searched and two seven-chambered loaded revolvers and three homemade bombs were seized. Indications so far point to the outrage being committed by members of the Stern Group. There have been rumours that they were going to commit a series of robberies. They had pamphlets identical with those picked up later in the day announcing the illegal Stern broadcast and the seized revolvers were the same calibre and make as those used in a previous murder, and also in the Anglo Palestine Bank Robbery in Tel Aviv in Feb. 1940.
WO 16914334

20 JANUARY 1942
At 0930 hrs. on 2011142 a small explosion occurred in a room on the first floor of Yael Street in Tel Aviv. The police were summoned and proceeded to the house. When they got into the room, a far more powerful explosion took place. D.S.P. Schiff was killed outright, BritishInspector Turton and 1st Inspector Goldman have since died of injuries. A wire was found leading from the room where the explosion took place, over the roof to an adjacent flat. A third mine which is said to have consisted of some twenty sticks of gelignite was found unexploded later under the path leading to the house. This cold blooded act of terrorism, very similar to the way in which Inspectors Barker and Cairns met their death, is thought to be almost certainly another perpetration of Stern's Group.
WO 16914334

28 APRIL 1942
On 22/4 rpt 22/4 attempted assassination Inspector General of Police by means of large bomb connected by 135 metres of wire. Discovered and rendered harmless. Smaller bomb placed under car of another senior Police Official fell off exploded when discovered by Arab servant killing instantly. Thought to be attempted revenge by remaining Stern Group elements. Air Raid alarm Tel Aviv 23/4. Otherwise normal.
WO 16914334

1 MAY 1942
On the first of May another, happily unsuccessful, attempt at assassination was made by the Stern Group. This time the intended victim was the A.S.P. C.I.D. Jaffa. The car in which he was travelling was damaged but the occupants were unhurt other than suffering from shock. The police have made some 17 arrests in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and on 5 May 1942 Isaac Tzelnik alias Shimon surrendered to the Haifa Police.
WO 16914334

13 JUNE 1942
At 0018 hrs. on 13 June 1942, a bomb exploded in Blumenthal's printing press, injuring five persons in an adjoining building and starting a fire which spread and caused considerable damage to an adjoining house. The paper does not advocate "orthodox" Zionism but many Zionists will say that the main dislike is the circulation of any paper in the German language.
WO 16914334

3 FEBRUARY 1944
Tendency of more extreme Jewish elements becoming bolder in anti-White Paper and pro-nationalist effusions. Irgun Zvai Leumi procession fired 2 shots on dispersal by police Jerusalem 5 Feb. No casualties. 0300 hours 3 Feb. taxi driver and 2 passengers observe 2 men tampering with Cathedral Wall Jerusalem. In company with police patrol contact made with suspects in adjacent Jewish Quarter. Suspects open fire fatally wounding Arab taxi driver. Subsequently sack and various tools discovered also approximately 100 metres wiring terminating in outer archway entrance to cathedral.
FO 37Il4Ol2S

12 FEBRUARY 1944
Bombs exploded in and around Migration Offices Jerusalem HaifaTel Aviv night Saturday Feb. 12. One casualty not serious. Haifa building demolished. Considerable damage Tel Aviv building. Damage mostly outside building in Jerusalem. Considered work of Irgun Zvai Leumi as a means of focussing attention White Paper. More anti-British anti-White Paper pamphlets and posters.
FO 371/40125

14 FEBRUARY 1944
Two British police shot and killed by two Jews whom they were searching Haifa 14 Feb. Hebrew press and majority Jews deprecate recent Jewish outrages.
FO 371/40125

14/15 FEBRUARY 1944
On the night of the 14/15th February in Haifa, British Inspector R.D. Green and British Constable H.E. Ewer, challenged two suspicious characters carrying a parcel, who tumed out to be Jews. So far as can be ascertained, while Green was examining the parcel, one of the Jews shot him and the Constable with a pistol. Both were wounded and fell to the ground and the Jews ran away. One of them turned back, however, and fired at Green again as he lay on the ground. Jews then made good their escape. Parcel was found to contain Stern Group pamphlets. Both police officers are dangerously wounded and separate casualty telegram is being sent.
FO 37lI4Ol2S

24 FEBRUARY 1944
Two cars containing police personnel blown up by bombs in Haifa on 24/2/44 one police officer injured. Not seriously. Bombs exploded income tax offices Jerusalem Haifa Tel Aviv no casualties. Anti British White Paper pamphlets and posters continue.
F0371140125

24 FEBRUARY 1944
Two further bomb explosions which are thought to be attributable to Stern Gang occurred in Haifa between 8 and 9 o'clock on 24th February. One bomb which had been buried in the runway outside the garage of F.C. Hersburgh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, exploded under the car as he drove out. Car was wrecked but person named escaped with superficial injuries.

Second bomb had been planted by the side of the road and was connected by wire to press button some 60 metres distant. It was exploded as police traffic car containing British Inspectors W.Y.K. Miller and W.E. Frost and British Sergeant D.D. Fairfoul was passing, car was damaged, but occupants suffered only shock.

Third unexploded bomb was found subsequently concealed at the side of another road, consisting of metal container holding 33 sticks of gelignite, 5 hand grenades and some rounds of ammunition, nuts, bolts. Three electric detonators and primers were attached to it and it was connected by some 20 metres of wire to electric plug.
FO 371/40125

26 FEBRUARY 1944
Following incidents, which occurred on the evening of the 26th February, are evidently further developments in anti- Government campaign of Irgun Zvai Leumi.

Tel Aviv. At 8.30 p.m., three explosions took place in the building housing the Income Tax Office, followed by another at 9.25. Notice in English and Hebrew, signed Irgun, was found on the door of the office reading "Danger, house is mined". No damage to records, but extensive damage to the structure of the building.

Haifa. At 10.15 p.m., bomb exploded near the Income Tax Office causing slight damage. It had been placed some five yards from the outside wall. Several sticks of gelignite which had apparently formed part of the bomb had failed to explode. Jerusalem. During the evening, unknown person threw note through the fanlight of the door to the room in which watchman in the Income Tax Office was sitting. Note, which was in Arabic and Hebrew, stated that bomb had been placed in the building. Area was cordoned off and the building searched early this morning, 27th February. One bomb found and removed to waste ground where it exploded. No damage, apart from broken windows.
FO 371/40125

13 MARCH 1944
Shortly after 8 p.m. on 13th March, a Jewish C.I.D. Constable named Zev Flesch was fired at outside a cafe in Petah Tivah, and hit by five shots in the chest, stomach and leg. He died shortly afterwards. Person named was in plain clothes at the time, and was accompanied by an acquaintance and another man who had joined them a few seconds previously. His companions stated that he was shot by two persons whom they could not identify. Four empty parabellum cartridges, and one expended bullet, were found at the scene. Police suspect that this was the work of the Stern Group.
FO 371/40125

16 MARCH 1944
At about 3 p.m. on 16th March, C.I.D. received information that persons were expected to visit house in Tel Aviv to remove the property of member of the Stern Group who had been arrested there by the Police on 10th March. Armed party of Police went to the house and entered the back garden. Some Police were posted to cover the rear of the house, and two British Sergeants and two British Constables passed through the garden to the front. One of the Sergeants saw a man talking to woman at the gate. From distance of about 20 yards he called upon the man to put up his hands. The man ducked behind the wall and ran away. The sergeant followed, and the man fired at him. Simultaneously second man appeared from among the trees in boulevard fronting the house, fired at the Sergeant and then made off. The Sergeant fired two bursts from the front at the first man, and, as he did so, was fired at by third man who appeared on the pavement. All three men made good their escape. No police casualties, but woman passing by was wounded in the leg, not seriously, by stray bullet.

At 7.30 p.m. on 16th March, Police challenged a Jew in a Tel Aviv Street. He drew a pistol and made off. Police fired six shots, whereupon the man threw away his pistol and a package which he was carrying. He was captured, and the package was found to contain three sticks of gelignite, a fuse detonator, and a number of rivets. Pistol was loaded with seven rounds. He was also in possession of magazine of parabellum pistol containing six rounds. He has been identified as David Main, a leading member of the Stern Group, who has been wanted by the Police for over three years.
FO 371/40125

23 MARCH 1944
Tel Aviv. At 6.30 p.m., C. Brown, British Chief Clerk at the District Police Headquarters, was shot as he was leaving his house. He was wounded and died later. Jewish bystander in the hall of the house at the time was wounded, not seriously. At 6.40 p.m., British Constable Langtrey was shot and very seriously wounded in the street. His condition is critical. At 7.30 p.m., British Constable Caley was shot outside the Magistrate's Court and died later.

Jaffa. At 11.40 p.m. four rucksacks containing gelignite were discovered in an air raid shelter below Police Headquarters. Building was evacuated and shortly afterwards
number of explosions occurred completely demolishing one end of the building. Police patrol saw three suspicious looking characters who opened fire on being challenged. Police returned fire and it is believed that two suspects were wounded. One Temporary Assistant Constable was wounded in the foot.

Jerusalem. At 10.30 p.m. number of men wearing articles of Police uniform entered Police Headquarters by means of a ladder. They were disturbed by J. Scott, Assistant Superintendent of Police, who opened fire. Intruders returned fire, killing him. Number of bombs which the party had brought with them and deposited, exploded subsequently, causing very serious damage. One man was arrested in possession of bombs and some ammunition and a discarded pistol was found nearby.

Haifa. At 11.30 p.m. a number of bombs exploded at the rear of C.I.D. Office and billets, damaging entire wing of the building. Three British Constables, Allison, Mackie and Harding were dead when extricated from the wreckage. A fourth. Ball, was admitted to hospital with serious head injuries and two others suffering from abrasions and shock. Four Arab members of the kitchen staff at billets also received injury. Separate casualty telegram has been sent.
FO 371/40125

5 APRIL 1944
On the afternoon of 5th April a mobile police patrol in Tel Aviv approached a man in order to question him. The man opened fire with a revolver and wounded Constable Dumbleton in the face. The patrol returned the fire, wounding the assailant in the legs. He was arrested and found to be in possession of a revolver (from which three rounds had been fired at the patrol), a loaded automatic, a hand grenade and a match-box bomb. The assailant, who is believed to be member of the Stern Group is now under guard in hospital, and his wounds are not serious. He will be charged with carrying arms under the Emergency Regulations.
FO 371/40125

9 APRIL 1944
At about 9 p.m. on the evening of 9th April, three unknown persons, passing British Police billet in Northern Tel Aviv, fired shots at twoBritish Constables onduty outside the billet. Simultaneously, an explosion occurred near the billet and fragment resembling piece of hand grenade was found. Assailants escaped. Constables Hawkins and Quinn were slightly wounded, as reported in my casualty telegram No. 449. A Palestinian Jewish Constable approaching at the time was grazed by a bullet.
FO 371/40125

10 APRIL 1944
At approximately 9 a.m. on 10th April, determined, but unsuccessful, attempt was made on the life of Deputy Superintendent J.P. Forde when driving in Tel Aviv in his car on the way to Divisional Police Headquarters. He was first shot at by aman with heavy automatic pistol and, when Forde fired back, a second and possibly a third gunman joined in. Forde escaped injury, but seven bullets struck the car, including the windscreen. Assailants made off before assistance arrived.
F0371140125

10 MAY 1944
At approximately 8 a.m. on 10th May Jewish Police Constable Haim Gutevitch, of District C.I.D., was shot dead by unknown assailant when leaving his home in Tel Aviv. Two shots were fired and bomb thrown. In the subsequent confusion, the assailant escaped.
FO 37lI4OlZ5

14 JULY 1944
At about 12.45 a.m. on 14th July an attack was made by terrorists on a building in the centre of Jerusalem which houses the Jerusalem district police headquarters, and the district of Bethlehem and Jerusalem District Land Registry. The attack began with a number of minor explosions, accompanied by shooting and throwing of hand grenades. As it developed, three large explosions took place in succession doing extensive damage to buildings and starting a conflagration. The ground floor was completely gutted and some damage (extent as yet unascertained) was (group omitted) to the upper floors. The last explosion occurred at 2.05 a.m., and the fire was brought under control at 2.30 a.m.

Number of attackers is not yet known. They used one or more taxis which had been seized from their drivers at pistol point, and besides employing gelignite bombs and hand grenades appear to have been equipped with tommy guns and automatic pistols. In the light of previous outrages the methods and objective in this latest attack clearly point to the Stern Group and/or Irgun as the culprits.

An Arab supernumerary constable and an Arab watchman lost their lives in the attack. A Jewish supernumerary constable is in a dangerous condition suffering from a bullet wound in the chest. Two British constables have been detained in hospital suffering from shock and superficial wounds. Six British police received superficial injuries.

Jerusalem District Land Registry records were very extensively damaged by fire and by water from Fire Brigade operations. Full implication of the loss of these valuable records cannot be determined for some time. It is not yet known what can be salvaged, but preliminary survey indicates that loss is likely to be serious, as it involves the majority principal registers as well as files. It will be necessary to close the Jerusalem District Land Registry sine die.
FO371/40126

8 AUGUST 1944
In the afternoon of the 8th August, the High Commissioner and Lady MacMichael were motoring to a farewell function when the car, under police escort, was ambushed at 4 kilometres from Jerusalem, on the Jerusalem-Jaffa road, and fire was opened with tommy-guns from the side of the road. His Excellency was very slightly wounded in the hand and thigh, Lady MacMichael was unhurt, the A.D.C., Major Nicholls, was shot through the lung and seriously hurt and the police driver was also seriously wounded in the neck. So far as is known at present, the assailants escaped. The police are taking all appropriate measures.
WO 371140126

22 AUGUST 1944
Jaffa Divisional Police Headquarters, which is close to the Tel Aviv boundary, and two Police Stations on the Jaffa-Tel Aviv border, were attacked by armed Jews on 22nd August at approximately 2300 hours.

Attackers in three separate parties, each numbering about a dozen men, were armed with home-made bombs, grenades and sub machine guns, and one party arrived and left in a truck. Way was prepared for the attack by diversionary mining of the roads and rail crossings in the neighbourhood and the laying of booby traps. In addition, a large ambush party lay near the Divisional Headquarters. Where road junctions were mined, posters had been left bearing warnings by Irgun Zvai Leumi.

Attackers were driven off by small arms fire, except at one Police Station, where the Palestinian personnel on guard were outnumbered. Fourteen rifles were taken from this Station. Minor damage was done to buildings by bombs. Casualties were one British Constable wounded in the leg, one Arab Constable and one Jewish temporary additional Constable seriously injured. The latter's rifle was taken. Six suspects have been arrested, one of whom was wounded by police fire and was seen to throw away a bomb.
F0371140127

27 SEPTEMBER 1944
On the night of 27th September attacks were made on four Police Stations by members of the Irgun Zvai Leumi, the military organization of the New Zionist Organisation. They were planned and executed by a force estimated to have been at least 150 strong and armed with bombs and automatic weapons. There were casualties among Palestinian police and civilians and considerable damage was caused to police buildings. Casualties were also inflicted on the terrorists and two men were arrested, one of whom had been wounded. Quantities of ammunition, two bombs and Irgun flags were seized.
FO 371/40127

29 SEPTEMBER 1944
On the 29th September, Asst. Superintendent Wilkin of the Palestine C.I.D. was shot dead in a public street in Jerusalem by two Jews, who escaped. He was known to be an expert on Jewish Affairs. The murder was subsequently claimed by the "Fighters for the Freedom of Israel" in aclandestine pamphlet issued by that organization.
FO 141/1001

6 OCTOBER 1944
At 2.15 p.m. on 6th October the Tel Aviv offices and stores of the Department of Light Industries were raided by about 50 persons, some of whom were armed. They removed 8 truckloads of textiles. Raiders announced themselves as being, and are believed to have been, members of the Irgun Zvai Leumi. Object of the raid was presumably to raise funds; according to preliminary report value of textiles stolen was 100,000 Pounds.
F0371/40127

31 OCTOBER / 1NOVEMBER 1944
The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall): On the night of 31st October/lst November, a series of concerted attacks was made by armed Jews on the Palestine railway system, culminating in a full-scale attack on the railway station and goods yards at Lydda. Owing to the widespread nature of the attacks, information is still necessarily incomplete, but reports so far received show that the permanent way has been blown up and cut in over 20 places, on the main Gaza-Acre line and especially on the lines between Lydda and Jerusalem and between Haifa and Samakh. In other places there have been reports of explosions and unexploded mines have been found on the line. The attack on the station and goods yard at Lydda resulted in extensive damage to a signal box, a train and three locomotives. The locomotive shed was set on fire and large numbers of unexploded mines and bombs were found in the vicinity.

During the attack, the following casualties occurred: Killed - 1 British soldier; 1 Palestinian policeman and 2 Palestinian members of the railway staff. Believed killed - 1 Palestinian policeman. Wounded - 1 British soldier, 1 Palestinian policeman, 6 Palestinian members of the railway staff.

Subsequently the dead body of one Jewish attacker was found near Lydda. During the night, two police launches at anchor in Haifa harbour were damaged, apparently by limpet bombs. A third police launch was blown up and sunk at Jaffa. Unsuccessful attempt was made on the installation of Consolidated Refineries Limited at Haifa. An explosion occurred and the dead body of a man, believed to be a Jew, was found buried beneath rubble but the installation itself was undamaged.
FO 37 ]I45383

6 NOVEMBER 1944
On the 6th November, in Cairo, Lord Moyne and his British military driver were assassinated by two men who subsequently confessed that they were members of the "Fighters for the Freedom of Israel" and had carried out the murder on the instructions of that organization, for the reason that Lord Moyne was the highest political representative of the British Government in the Middle East and was pursuing a policy hostile to the interests of the Jewish nation. The men entered Egypt in British military uniform and it is possible that they may be deserters from the Palestine Regiment. One of the weapons with which Lord Moyne was killed has been identified as the same which had been used to kill Mr. Wilkin in Jerusalem a month previously.
FO 141/1001

10 OCTOBER 1945
A large number of armed Jews attacked Athlit clearance camp for immigrants between 0100 hours and 0130 hours today. Men were armed with rifles, pistols and daggers. Some were in police uniform. Four appointed temporary additional constables on guard were seized, beaten with rifle butts, bound and gagged. One Arab was seriously hurt. One Jewish T.A.C. was tied up but not injured.

Attackers cut wide avenue in the wire on the north side of the camp and cut the telephone wires. 208 illegal immigrants were released, apparently with inside knowledge. Eleven immigrants, who presumably refused to accompany the escapees, were bound and gagged. Of these one Christian woman died of suffocation. Party then escaped in the direction of Mount Carmel.

Police took immediate action to seal the Carmel Range. One police party, proceeding to establish road check, was fired upon from ambush by Jews armed with rifles, submachine guns and grenades. Police truck was overturned. One British Constable shot dead. (Separate casualty telegram sent). One Arab Constable seriously wounded, and Jewish Corporal slightly wounded. Scene of ambush was presumably one embarking point for the Athlit party, as the police seized nine lorries, with drivers, near the spot shortly after the incident.
FO 371/5438 1

11 OCTOBER 1945
A large gang of armed Jews raided a Military Training Depot at Rehovot Station between 0100 and 0130 hours on 1 1 th October. The Jewish guard made no effective resistance and the key to the armoury was obtained. Following were stolen: 9 Bren guns, 6 machine guns, 218 rifles, 2 pistols, 220 bayonets, 24 training grenades, 39 other grenades, and various miscellaneous articles.

Gang drove away in three trucks stolen from the Depot, two belonging to the Army and one to the R.A.F. The training depot is used for Palestinian troops, primarily for recruits to the Jewish Brigade.
FO 371/45381

14 NOVEMBER 1945
During the afternoon a number of isolated incidents occurred on the outskirts of Tel Aviv in which Arab buses were stoned and some slight injuries inflicted on passengers. A number of military vehicles were also stoned in the streets of Tel Aviv.

Streets South and East of Colony Square became packed with hostile crowds and the police and military were heavily
stoned. At 1900 hrs a warning banner was raised in Aliyah Street. At 1925 hrs the crowd advanced and three casualties from stoning were suffered by troops. Two rounds were ordered and fired at the crowd and it is reported that a ringleader was wounded. Two more rounds were fired at the crowd at 1930 hrs and the crowd withdrew. The crowds there were estimated at 2,000-3,000 in number.

At 1935 hrs the Head Post Office in Allenby Road was attacked from the north, ground floor doors and windows were smashed and a telephone kiosk destroyed. An attempt to set fire to the building with petrol was unsuccessful. Under heavy stoning police parties made baton charges on six occasions; the crowd, however, advanced and the baton party was obliged to retire. Warning to the crowd was given by the military commander at 1940 hrs and at 1945 hrs a warning banner was raised. The crowd, however, continued to advance and ten rounds were fired, whereupon the crowd withdrew.

At about this time large crowds had gathered in Nahlat Benyamin Street. At 1916 hrs they were reported to be stoning the offices of the Income Tax Department and later to be attempting to set fire to the building. At 1930 hrs the offices of the Department of Light Industries in the same street were also reported to have been fired. A reconnaissance patrol reported both buildings to be alight but pending the arrival of further military assistance it was not possible to take effective action. Reinforcements arrived at 2040 hrs and the situation brought under control by 2130 hrs.
WO 275/38

15 NOVEMBER 1945
At 750 a.m. an assembly of Jews in Natirva Quarter (outside the curfew area) placed a car across the road, the Salame road railway crossing. A platoon of troops was present and the crowd was ordered to disperse. The situation became more menacing and one round was fired inflicting one casualty. Eight other persons suffered injuries in the incident.

At approximately the same time an unruly mob pulled down and broke the railway crossing barrier in Herzl Street. A part of the line was tom up and as a result a passenger train containing Arabs was held at Tel Aviv Railway Station. The line was quickly repaired and service resumed. At 755 a.m. it was reported that approximately 500 people were outside the offices of the Light Industries Department in Machlat Benyamin Street; that some had entered the building and were attempting to break open the safe; and that furniture was being burned in the street.

At 9 a.m. acrowd of approximately 500 persons assembled in Hagen David Adom Square stoning and attempting to overturn military vehicles. 4-ton military lorry loaded with flour was wrecked and set on fire. The driver, a Jewish soldier, was seriously injured.

Shortly before 10 a.m. a blazing barrier was placed across the Jaffa-Tel Aviv Road at the Herzl Street junction, and troops in the vicinity were heavily stoned by a crowd of hooligans. The crowd was dispersed with a short burst of automatic fire. A few minutes later the crowd reassembled and passing police vehicles were heavily stoned. Further rounds were fired to disperse the gathering.

A branch of Barclay's Bank in Allenby Road, near the Mograbi Cinema and the sub-Post Office in Bialik Street, were attacked simultaneously at 10:30 a.m. Parties were dispatched to these places and both premises were cleared. Later, however, after the departure of the troops, the sub-Post Office was again attacked and an attempt was made to open the safe. Interior fittings were stripped and burned in the streets. A combined police and military patrol which arrived on the scene was stoned and one home made "getaway" type bomb was thrown. Two baton charges were made by the police and the crowd was then warned to disperse. The warning had no effect and troops fired four rounds; the crowd then dispersed. On the Bank premises internal fittings were tom down and burned in the streets. A steel cupboard was left lying on the pavement intact and a large safe inside the premises was found also to be intact. Troops cleared and held the vicinity.

At 12 noon two home-made "getaway" type bombs were thrown at troops in Hagen David Adom Square, one of which failed to explode. There were no casualties among the troops in this incident but one of the attackers is believed to have been injured.

Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. whilst the incidents described above were taking place, shops belonging to Messrs. Spinney's Ltd. in Nachlat Benyamin Street and Second of November Square were looted and the premises badly damaged. Police parties made a number of baton charges to disperse the rioters but the principal offenders as regards looting were small children.
WO 275/38

15 NOVEMBER 1945
Curfew imposed municipal area Tel Aviv last night broken early today by large number rioters carrying out series lawless acts. At 0826, mob blocked road with car at railway crossing Hatiqva Quarter. Crowd refused disperse on orders and military forced to shoot ringleader and around property. Section railway line uprooted Herzl Street, Post Office, Bialik Street, broken into and fittings burnt in street, shops including Spinneys British-owned stores entered and looted, Barclays Bank stripped of fittings but attempted safe opening failed. Troops compelled to open fire several places after police failed disperse crowds with baton charges. Twice mob threw home-made grenades at soldiers. Casualties today - 1 Jew dead, 1 very seriously injured, 13 seriously injured, 3 slightly injured; forces law and order suffered no casualties. 50 arrests curfew breakers; 5 adults, 8 juveniles arrested for rioting. General Officer Commanding Palestine and Acting Chief Secretary morning conferred with General Officer Commanding, Sixth Airborne Division, and local authorities on steps required restore law and order. Clearly evident interests security locally and countryside curfew essential. Military dispositions made for enforcement. Rokach, Mayor of Tel Aviv, summoned and impressed supreme need ensuring law abiders complied curfew restrictions and cooperated maintenance law and order. Mayor agreed pledged municipality 84 Encyclopedia of the Palestine Problem take all steps later issuing message Tel Avivians condemning irresponsible elements urging control. Measures generally effective, but situation tense and some firing tonight. Curfew lifted only tomorrow 7 morning to 4 afternoon.
FO 37 1145386

23 NOVEMBER 1945
At 131 5 hrs 23 Nov. 2 civilian lorries entered 120 HU under pretext collecting stores. Temporary passes and demand notes appeared genuine. Party was in charge of man wearing RAF Cpls uniform who spoke good English. Occupants 120 HU held up at PT revolver and bound. Following items known to have been stolen. 4 Vickers 1 Lewis guns. Unspecified number sten gun magazines. Purposes of raid was clearly Arnn as stocks of revolver and rifles were untouched.
FO 371/45386

25 NOVEMBER 1945
Coast Guard stations at Givat Olga and Sidna Ali were attacked early hrs 25 Nov. by Armed bands of Jews. Givat Olga attack started 01 15 hrs lasted 20 minutes. Automatic weapons used and charges placed under tower of building which was destroyed. Cas. Pal Police 1 Brit Sgt 3 constabs slightly wounded. Sidne Ali attack started 0145 hrs. Light automatic weapons were used and charges placed against building which was extensively damaged. Cas Pal police seriously wounded 1 Brit Sgt and 1 Pal constable. Slightly wounded 4 Brit Constables 1 Pal Constable.
FO 371/45386

27 DECEMBER 1945
On the 27th December at about 7.15 p.m. Police Headquarters in Jerusalem were attacked by Jewish terrorists armed with automatic weapons and explosives. The attack commenced with heavy fire directed at Police Headquarters; at the same time entry was forced into a large building opposite and some members of the gang gained access to a balcony from which heavy fire was directed at the Police buildings across the road. Under cover of this fire other Jews laid explosives at one corner of the Police offices. The subsequent explosion caused heavy damage to the buildings, one British Assistant Superintendent of Police was killed and buried under the debris together with four Basuto guards. A British Superintendent of Police who was working in the Stores section at the time and four Palestinian Constables on guard were injured.

A British Constable who was on duty at the main door of Police Headquarters, ran out into the road and engaged the attackers with great gallantry. He was killed in action at this point. At about the same time another British Constable was shot dead whilst in action against the Jews nearby. A further body of Jews was encountered by a British Deputy Superintendent of Police while they were engaged in withdrawing from the scene. This officer engaged them and it is believed that he inflicted a number of casualties before being shot down by automatic fire. The body of adead Jew who had been killed by bullet wounds was subsequently found and another Jew was admitted to hospital with a bullet wound. This man's house was searched and military equipment was found. Damage to Police Headquarters in Jerusalem was largely restricted to the Stores Section. The C.I.D. Offices and Criminal records escaped with little damage.

At about the same time explosions occurred at District Police Headquarters in Jaffa. As in Jerusalem charges were laid against the building under heavy covering fire. The Police guard returned the attackers' fire. Considerable damage was caused to the Police buildings and an Arab telephone operator was killed at his post. A detachment of Police Mobile Force proceeding to the scene of the outrage was heavily attacked by armed Jews at some distance from the Jaffa Police Headquarters. After an exchange of fire theattackers fled towards Tel Aviv.
CO 733/456

NOTES TO CHAPTER FOUR

1. British Command Paper No. 6019.
2. Document WO 208/1705, Public Record Office, London.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Cable to the British Cabinet, Document WO 208/1705, Public Record Office, London.
6. "Security Conditions in Palestine," A Top Secret Memorandum by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Prime Minister, dated 10 September 1945, Annex, p. 6 PREM/8/627, Public Record Office, London.
7. Document WO 208/1705, Public Record Office, London.
8. Yaacov Eliav, Wanted (New York: Shengold Publishers, Inc., 1984), p. 219.
9. Menahem Begin, The Revolt (London: W. H. Allen, 1983), p. 187.
10. Ibid., p. 196.
11. British Command Paper No. 6873.
12. Menahem Begin, The Revolt, p. 212.
13. Ibid., p. 216.
14. Ibid., pp. 215-21 6.
15. Ibid., pp. 163.
16. Ibid., p. 164.
17. Ibid., p. 1 of the Introduction.
18. Kurzman, Dan, Genesis 1948 (London: Valentine Mitchell and Company, 1972), p. 555.
19. The New York Times, September 12, 1988.
20. Kurzman, Dan, Genesis 1948: The First Arab-Israeli War (New York and Cleveland: The World Publishing Company, 1970), pp. 555-556.
21. War Office Documents, WO 261/562, Public Record Office, London.
22. War Office Documents, WO 275/40, Public Record Office, London.
23. Hansard, House of Commons Debates, July 15, 1947, p. 636.
24. Nicholas Bethel, The Palestine Triangle (London: Andre Deutsch, 1979), p. 338.
25. Foreign Office Documents, FO 371/61761. Public Record Office,
London.
26. War Office Documents, WO 275/42, Public Record Office, London.
27. Menahem Begin, pp. 35-36.
28. TheTimes, London, September 4, 1947, p. 6.
29. TheTimes, London, September 24, 1972.
30. TheTimes, London, June 5, 1947, p. 4.
31. The Times, London, June 6, 1947.
32. New YorkTimes, October 18, 1985.
33. Ibid., June 29, 1985.
34. Christtan Science Monitor, November 29, 1988, p. 13.
35. Kenneth R. Thomas, The Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987: Constitutional and statutory issues which may be raised in relation to its interpretation and enforcement. American Law Division. Congressional Research Service Report for Congress 88-382-A, May
18, 1988, p. 4.
36. Ibid., referring to 133 Congressional Record H8790-91 (daily edition October 20, 1987).
37. Ibid., referring to Public Law 100-204, Title X, 101 Stat. 1331, pp. 1406-07 (1987).
38. United States of America v. the Palestine Liberation Organization, 88 Civ. 1962 (S.DN.Y., June 29, 1988).
39. Hansard, House of Commons Debates, November 17, 1944, p. 2242.
40. Ibid., February 25, 1944, pp. 1117-11 18.
41. Ibid., April 5, 1944, p. 2017.
42. Ibid., September 26, 1944, pp. 74-75.
43. Ibid., October 11, 1944, pp. 74-75.
44. Ibid.. November 9, 1944, pp. 1538-1539.
45. Ibid., November 17, 1944, pp. 557-561.
46. Ibid., December 6, 1944, pp. 557-561.
47. Ibid., November 16, 1945, pp. 2521-2522.
48. "Proposal of the National Military Organization - Irgun Z'vai Leumi -Concerning the Solution of the Jewish Question in Europe and the Participation of the N.M.O. in the War on the side of Germany." Original text found in David Yisraeli, The Palestine Problem in German Politics, 1889-1945 (Ramat Gan: Bar Ilan University, 1974). pp. 315-317, as cited by Ralph Schoenrnan, The Hidden History of Zionism (Santa Barbara, Calif: Veritas Press, 1988), pp. 54-55.

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