867N.01/943: Telegram
The Consul General at Jerusalem (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—10:22 a.m.]
Reference Consulate’s telegram of October 16, 3 p.m., Acting High Commissioner has confirmed to me specifically that “new policy” of firmness in dealing with disorder will be maintained. While recognizing probability of further sporadic attempts at assassination and sabotage by paid terrorists he anticipates continuation repressive measures with emphasis on collective fines and punishments will result in gradual lessening of current disturbances.
Incidents since outbreak of October 14–15 attending Mufti’s flight include five further reported instances of shooting at Jewish buses and approximately a dozen each of wire cutting, bombing or attempted bombing, sniping at Jewish settlements or road patrols (all without casualties) and attempted assassination. Toll of latter is two Jews killed and four wounded and apparently through acts of Jewish retaliation three Arabs and one Armenian killed and three Arabs wounded. Success of new policy will be furthered by Arab disinclination to take to the hills with approach of winter weather and fall ploughing and citrus picking season.