JERUSALEM: Tension in Palestine has quickened over the past few days, cables Reuter’s special correspondent. A report that President Truman has asked the British Prime Minister, Mr. Clement Attlee, to open Palestine to 100,000 Jews from Europe is being warmly discussed and commented upon by both Jews and Arabs. Unofficial reports from London saying that the British Government is considering proposals allowing only a small monthly trickle of immigrants have caused alarm. It is generally believed if the reports have any basis that there will be a big resumption in illegal immigration. …

The Jewish Agency has denied the reports … Extremist organisations are not making matters any safer. They have just dropped leaflet bombs on Jerusalem spreading the news that they have given the Labour Government time enough to make up its mind and are now determined to resume direct action. An attempt is also being made to turn into a political spectacle the trial which opened at Haifa yesterday [Sept 18] before a military court. Twenty Jewish students including two girls, all under 20 years of age, are accused of possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives…

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2020