King's College London
Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives

Copyright: The texts of the detailed catalogues are the copyright of King's College London and are made available for private research only.

OCONNOR: 3/1-3/4 Commander of 7 Division and Military Governor of Jerusalem, September 1938-August 1939

OCONNOR: 3/1/1-20 Papers including letters to Jean O'Connor, with comments on personnel and operations in Palestine and Transjordan, 1938-1939

OCONNOR: 3/1/1 1938 Sep 13

Telegram from the War Office referring to the despatch of reinforcements to Palestine and informing O'Connor of the cancellation of his appointment as Commander, 43 (Wessex) Division, Territorial Army and selection as Divisional Cdr. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/2 1938 Sep 17

Instructions from the War Office to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Aldershot Command concerning the appointment of officers to Command and Staff of Formations in Palestine, including O'Connor as Cdr of 7 Div. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/3 1938 Sep 22

Telegram from the War Office to Capt R G Collingwood, informing him of his selection as temporary Assistant District Commissioner to O'Connor in Palestine. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/4 1938 Oct 7

Letter from Brig C C Foss, congratulating O'Connor on his appointment to 7 Div in Palestine. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/5 1938 Oct 19

Proclamation order issued to inhabitants of Old City of Jerusalem, to obey orders issued by Military Police. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/6 1938 Oct

Cuttings from The Times, referring to O'Connor's appointment in Palestine. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/7 1938 Oct, Dec

Newspaper cuttings from The Illustrated London News, The Times and The Daily Sketch, including illustrations showing O'Connor as recently appointed Military Governor. 6pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/8 1938 Oct-1939 Aug

Tributes to O'Connor for his work in Jerusalem from Lt Gen R H Haining, Malcolm J MacDonald, Secretary of State for the Colonies and Sir Harold MacMichael, High Commissioner for Palestine and Transjordan. With copy of letter from Edward Keith-Roach, District Commissioner, Jerusalem District, referring to the departure of O'Connor for service in Egypt. 7pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/9 [1939] Sep 2

Letter from Sir Harold MacMichael, in appreciation of O'Connor's work in Jerusalem. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/10 1942 Jul 4

Article from The Scotsman, by Dr Norman MacLean, on O'Connor's service in Jerusalem. 2 copies, 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/11 1944 Mar 12

Letter from Sir Harold MacMichael, referring to the deadlock between the Jewish and Arab factions in Jerusalem. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/12 1977 Jan

Letters from Kenneth Startup in Georgia, USA, requesting information on O'Connor's service in Palestine for his thesis. 2p

OCONNOR: 3/1/13-20 Letters to Jean O'Connor, October-November 1938

OCONNOR: 3/1/13 [1938] Oct 1-1938 Oct 4

Letters written on board P & O ship RAWALPINDI, describing the journey and companions including George Collingwood, Gen Sir Charles Bonham Carter and referring to the death of Maj Gen Alan Dawnay, and resignation of Duff Cooper, First Lord of the Admiralty in Oct 1938. 10pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/14 1938 Oct 5

Letter describing area of command in Palestine and HQ at King David's Hotel in Jerusalem. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/15 1938 Oct 18

Letter including appointment as Military Governor of Jerusalem and problems, including foreign interests and the siting of mosques in the area, involved in restoring law and order to the Old City. 6pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/16 1938 Oct 22

Letter including success in restoring peace in the Old City; the issue of proclamations; relations between Haining and Tegart, and Haining and Sir Harold MacMichael, High Commissioner for Palestine and Transjordan; falling standards of discipline and morale in the police. (Incomplete). 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/17 1938 Oct 30

Letter including comments on the abilities of Brig H E de R Wetherall, Cdr 19 Infantry Bde, and Haining. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/1/18 1938 Nov 2-1938 Nov 3

Letter including lack of discipline in the police and encouragement of brutality amongst the troops by Brig J F Evetts, Cdr of 16 Infantry Bde, Palestine and Transjordan and plans for operations in the Jerusalem Valley and Jericho. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/19 1938 Nov 6

Letter including comments on the Woodhead Report, plans for partition and suggesting a permanent mandate with powers for the immigration of Arabs and Jews as a solution to unrest. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/1/20 [1938 Oct]

Letter, probably to Jean O'Connor referring to the disagreement between Haining and Tegart over reinforcement of the police. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/1-31 Correspondence with Lt Gen R H Haining, General Officer Commanding British troops in Palestine and Transjordan,October 1938-July 1939

OCONNOR: 3/2/1 1938 Oct 18-1938 Nov 6

Letter from A F Perrott, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North West Frontier Province in India stating similarities between problems of military control in the North West Frontier Province and Palestine and suggesting solutions, including improved intelligence system. With comments by O'Connor and Haining. 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/2 1938 Oct 19, 1938 Oct 20

Letter from Haining referring to the recent entry by civilians into the Old City, Jerusalem without permission, and reply, confirming restrictions on future entry. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/3 1938 Oct 20

Letter from Haining detailing the correct procedure in considering new regulations, and referring to O'Connor's suggestion for the issue of identity cards in the Old City, Jerusalem in particular. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/4 1938 Nov 12

Letter to Col F K Simmons, General Staff Officer 1, at Force HQ, Jerusalem concerning recent breaches of secrecy and suggesting changes in policy; and stating reasons for the failure of the Jaffa Operation. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/5 1938 Nov 21

Letters from Haining to O'Connor and W D Battershill, Chief Secretary of the Government of Palestine, concerning the military and civil administration of Hebron, including the need for a full time Assistant District Commissioner; re-establishment of the water supply; neglect of the roads and billets; policing arrangements; and a suitable site for military HQ. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/6 [1938 Nov 26]

Letter from Haining, suggesting that Concetto Vinci be released from prison, following investigations and a meeting with the Italian Consul General. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/7 1938 Dec [3]

Letter to Haining, requesting permission for Jack Hamilton Russell of the Royals and another officer to accompany Edward Keith-Roach, District Commissioner of Palestine, on his planned trip into the Haram area. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/8 1938 Dec 5-1938 Dec 15

Papers relating to alleged incidents of misconduct by British troops (not specified) including Haining's views on possible damage in Arab/Jewish relations caused by brutality of troops and adverse publicity. With copy of letter to Haining from Henry Pownall at the War Office, enclosing extracts from articles in the German press accusing British troops of atrocities against the Arab population in Palestine. 8pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/9 1938 Dec 10, 1938 Dec 12

Letter from Haining concerning awards and mentions, including his recommendations for gallantry awards. With O'Connor's reply, recommending the Black Watch unit and Arbuthnot (Black Watch) for special attention. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/10 1938 Dec 17

Letter to Haining, referring to allegations made by Bishop Browne of Jerusalem over the misconduct of troops. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/11 1939 Feb 19

Letter from Haining referring to the imposition of 'Scale A', (probably relating to military rule in the area). 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/12 1939 Feb 23

Letter from Haining, referring to the release of the Mayor of Gaza, and the influence used by C E V Buxton, District Commissioner of Gaza, to secure it. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/13 1939 Feb 27

Letter from Haining, referring to bombs planted in Jaffa by Jewish rebels and asking what steps Wetherall had taken in consequence. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/14 1939 Feb 28

Letter from Haining on general changes in the policing policy, aimed at centralisation. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/15 1939 Feb-Mar

Papers relating to nominations for officers to attend the staff colleges at Minley Manor and Camberley, including lists of names. 9pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/16 1939 Mar 4

Letter to Haining, referring to the reinforcements needed for a visit to the Jewish delegation at Tel Aviv; and access given to the stores of dealers' arms kept in the police station at Tel Aviv. With Haining's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/17 1939 Mar 19

Letter from Haining, concerning suggested restrictions on telephone users to deter sabotage. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/18 1939 Mar, 1939 Jun

Letters from Haining referring to recommendations for awards and mentions, and asking advice on whether to publish names in the Orders. With O'Connor's reply, urging publication of names and inclusion of regimental and junior staff officers. 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/19 1939 Apr 11

Letter from Haining, referring to retention of Middle East Reserves in Palestine and plans for move of HQ and Signals, 7 Div at short notice. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/20 1939 Apr 14

Letter from Haining on the scarcity of arms, harrying policy employed against Abdul Razzek and current need to avoid any changes in policy until the 'announcement' (probably of the official policy statement towards the Jewish community decided after the St James conference in Mar and announced on 17 May). 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/21 1939 Apr 18

Letter from Haining, in appreciation of O'Connor's work. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/22 1939 Apr 19

Letter from Haining, referring to the recent death of a British official in the Old City, Jerusalem during Jewish unrest, and suggesting stiffer curfew regulations and restrictions on relief measures as solutions. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/23 1939 Apr 21

Copy of letter from Haining to Maj Gen B L Montgomery, referring to policy regarding detainees, Jewish colonies and anti-aircraft defence of Haifa, Tel Aviv and the Jordan Valley. With text of telegram dated 18 Apr from Haining to Chief of Imperial General Staff, recommending that no statement be made regarding the establishment of an independent state for the Jewish community. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/24 1939 May 30

Letter from Haining referring to reprisals following unrest in 'P.P.'; Jerusalem Security Sub Committee; and restrictions on the opening of Jewish cafes and Jewish traffic following Jewish bombing of the Rex Cinema. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/25 1939 Jun 7

Letter from Haining, referring to need for an overall policy on surrender of arms. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/26 1939 Jun 11

Letter from Haining, referring to policy for civil and military training in the Southern Area. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/27 1939 Jun 13

Letter from Haining, recommending that O'Connor appoint a Town Major for Jerusalem, to work with police in the city, and pointing out the advantages of such an appointment. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/28 1939 Jun 18

Letter from Haining, referring to appeals for compensation from families of those who died in compounds following the search for Jewish rebels by British troops at the village of Halhul, near Hebron. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/29 1939 Jun 23

Letter from Haining, approving O'Connor's plan to take leave in Cyprus. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/2/30 1939 Jun 29, 1939 Jun 30

Letter from Haining referring to his recommendation of Brig Wetherall for promotion, and criticising O'Connor's attitude towards the selection of staff for promotion. With precis of O'Connor's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/2/31 1939 Jul 24-1939 Jul 28

Copy of telegram from the War Office to Haining on his departure from office, in appreciation of his command of the British Forces in Palestine and Transjordan. With covering letter to O'Connor from Haining. 3pp

3/3/1-12 Correspondence with Civil Government, Jerusalem, October 1938-July 1939

OCONNOR: 3/3/1 1938 Oct 22

Letter from District Commissioner of Jerusalem, Edward Keith-Roach promising his support on O'Connor's arrival in Jerusalem. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/2 1938 Oct 24

Letter from Keith-Roach, in praise of conduct of troops of the Coldstream Guards and Royal Northumberland Fusiliers during recent search operations in the Old City, Jerusalem. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/3 1938 Nov 29

Letter from A May Carey, including her hopes for peace. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/3/4 1938 Dec 6

Correspondence with W D Battershill, Chief Secretary of the Palestine Government concerning Battershill's interview with Count Mazzolini, the Italian Consul General, on 6 Dec. With typed extracts from the interview, including Mazzolini's complaints over incidents of alleged misconduct by British troops (not specified). 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/3/5 1938 Dec 12

Letter from Mazzolini, in appreciation of assistance to him by British soldiers on 12 Dec, following the breakdown of his car on the Jaffa-Jerusalem road. With O'Connor's reply. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/3/6 1938 Dec 16

Letter from Jerome Farrell, Director of Education in Jerusalem, referring to recent praise by an Arab resident of conduct of British troops (not specified). 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/7 1938 Dec 23

Letter from Keith-Roach with Christmas greetings and in appreciation of their working relationship. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/8 1939 Jan-1939 Feb

Ramallah, including fortnightly summary of 28 Jan by Christopher Pirie-Gordon, Assistant District Commissioner, referring to increase in gang activities and recent ambush of civilians by Arabs at Saffa; outlining his scheme for the establishment of military out posts in the area; and his suggestions for improvements in the administration of and revenue collection from Ramallah. With O'Connor's criticism of the summary. 20pp

OCONNOR: 3/3/9 1939 Feb 21

Letter to Keith-Roach criticising his recent report, including sickness in detention camps; the death of Abdul Fattah; and the disclosure of military plans. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/10 1939 Feb

Papers relating to accusations of police incompetency made by C E V Buxton at the officer's mess at Dett Camp, Beersheba on 3 Feb, following police investigation of a murder. Including an account of the accusations made by Buxton. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/3/11 1939 Mar 18

Letter from Moody at the Chief Secretary's Office in Jerusalem to R G Collingwood, ADistrict Commissioner to O'Connor referring to food relief measures and a planned meeting on the subject between Keith-Roach and O'Connor. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/3/12 1939 Jul 19

Letter to MacPherson, referring to rivalry between the district officers of Ramallah and Ramleh. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/1-64 Semi-official correspondence, mainly carbon copies, Jerusalem, November 1938-August 1939

OCONNOR: 3/4/1 1938 Nov 5-1939 Jul 22

File cover, listing correspondents by date. 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/2 1938 Nov 5

Letter from Brig Ian Grant at HQ, 20 (Reserve) Infantry Bde, Sarafand in Palestine commenting on proposals for him to command battalions in Egypt and Palestine. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/3 1938 Nov 17

Letters to Capt P O C Ray and Lt Col S A Gabb of 1 Bn Worcestershire Regt in Bethlehem, in appreciation of the escort provided by the Bn and in sympathy at the death of one of the troops. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/4 1938 Nov 25-1938 Nov 28

Instruction No 1 issued for 8 Div by Montgomery as Cdr, 8 Div in Haifa, comprising declaration of general policy. Including plans for offensive operations against armed gangs; assistance by the military in training the Police Force; and organisation of police patrols in towns. 7pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/5 1938 Dec 5, 1939 Jan 23

Copy of letter from Haining to MacMichael with recommendations for the future security of Palestine as a mandated territory, including construction of a central prison and abolition of the Jail Labour Companies at Athlit and Nur Esh Shams; building of tactical police posts in rural areas; and concentration in towns of district offices, police stations and other official buildings. With covering letter to O'Connor. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/6 1938 Dec 11

Letter to Maj G P Walsh, General Staff Officer 1 at Force HQ in Jerusalem referring to lack of accommodation for detainees at Acre and Athlit, and the need to avoid holding them at Examination Centres. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/7 1938 Dec 13

Letter to Col F Keith-Simmons, General Staff Officer 1 at Force HQ concerning correct procedure for communications between military commanders and General Officer Commanding. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/8 1938 Dec 23, 1938 Dec 24

Papers relating to the attempted arrest and ultimate escape of Abdul Khadr Husseini at Deir Ibn Obeid including accounts of the incident by Wg Cdr Ritchie at British Forces HQ in Jerusalem and A F Giles at Palestine Police HQ, Jerusalem. 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/9 1938 Dec 27

Copy of letter from Haining to MacMichael concerning regulations for road travel outside municipal boundaries for military and civilian traffic. With covering letter from Haining to O'Connor. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/10 1939 Dec 30-1939 Jan 30

Papers relating to the political situation in Hebron sub district. With reports dated 30 Dec 1938 and 25 Jan 1939 by Assistant District Commissioner A E S Charles, including account of enmity between Arabs of Hebron and Dura, and the demonstration on 18 Dec at Yatta against the people of Hebron; and plans for discussions between the leaders. With letter from Keith-Roach, with his view of the demonstration at Yatta, comments on the organiser Fakhri Effendi Nasashibi and recommendation that military or police posts be established in the area. With O'Connor's reply, referring to lack of intelligence information in Hebron district; and criticising intervention of civil servants in politics, citing Keith-Roach's association with the Husseini family as an example. 26pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/11 1939 Feb 2

Letter from Keith-Roach referring to 3/4/10, including duties of a District Commissioner, including public security and political matters; reasons for contacts with politcal parties and leaders; and including statistics relating to attacks on Jews, 1937-1938. With O'Connor's reply, including the problem of Government support of either the Mufti party or that led by Fakhri Bey. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/12 1939 Jan 5, 1939 Jan 6

Letter from Christopher Pirie-Gordon, Assistant District Commissioner in Ramallah referring to O'Connor's order for the arrest of twenty men from villages in Ramallah following an ambush by Sheikh Abdul Fattah Mohamed and his Oozles (gang) and his belief in the innocence of the villagers. With O'Connor's reply, stating the necessity of immediate action and recommending that Maj Spicer carry out the punishment. 6pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/13 1939 Jan 6

Letter to Maj G P Walsh, General Staff Officer 2 at Force HQ in Jerusalem concerning the allotment of police billets in Gaza and suggesting that police occupy part of the Governorate building. 2 copies, 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/14 1939 Jan 6-1939 Jan 7

Papers concerning the consideration of an amnesty during discussions in London, including copy of telegram from the Secretary of State (not named) suggesting conditions for an amnesty; and comments on the proposal by MacMichael and Haining. With comments by Haining and MacMichael on plan to use the Levant Fair buildings in Tel Aviv for holding Arab detainees. 8pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/15 1939 Jan 8, 1939 Jan 12

Letter from Capt R Dawnay, commanding 1 Coy, 3 Bn Coldstream Guards describing arrest on 7 Jan of an armed Arab policeman attached to the staff of Sir Harry Trusted, Chief Justice in Palestine. With Trusted's comments on the incident. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/16 1939 Jan 9, 1939 Jan 21

Operation Instruction No 14 issued to 19 Infantry Bde and concerning plans for mobile traffic checks to be carried out by a sub section of Armoured Cars, RAF including location of stationary and temporary control posts and orders for traffic control posts. With letter from Air Cdre Harris commenting on the checks. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/17 1939 Jan 18

Letter from Haining commenting on his visit to posts occupied by Highland Light Infantry in Khan Yums. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/18 1939 Jan 19, 1939 Jan 21

Copy of report from Haining to Director of Military Operations and Intelligence at War Office, including account of gang warfare in Palestine; gradual acceptance of British control; criticism by Jews of measures against Arabs; and criticism of capital sentences imposed by military courts. With covering letter to O'Connor. 6pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/19 1939 Jan 22

Letter to Wetherall including recommendation by Haining for punishment of Lydda inhabitants and sabotage of railway sleepers at Majdal station. 2 copies, 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/20 1939 Jan 22, 1939 Jan 23

Letter to Haining referring to the difficult relations between Buxton, and Swain a local policeman and suggesting a transfer for one or other. With Haining's reply. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/21 1939 Jan 23

Letter from Wetherall including action against saboteurs at Lydda, need for minesweepers on trains, investigation into the recent mining of a train near Jaffa and changes in collection of land tax in Ramle. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/22 1939 Jan 23

Letter from Haining referring to necessity of reprisals following sabotage to railway lines. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/23 1939 Jan 26

Letter to Haining concerning the procedure for the arrest of senior government officials and referring to the arrest of Salem Eff Husseini in particular. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/24 1939 Jan 26

Letter from Wetherall including relationship between Buxton and Swain, lack of action by troops of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regiment following an attack on a train near Jerusalem, and plans in Ramle to collect land tax by stopping lorries. 2 copies, 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/25 1939 Jan 27

Letter from Lt Col C Quilliam at British Forces HQ in Jerusalem, enclosing a memorandum relating to a gendarmerie or a semi-military force for Palestine (not included). 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/26 1939 Jan 28

Letter from Keith-Roach asking O'Connor's intentions regarding release of Arab prisoners for the Vigil of the Feast of Sacrifice. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/27 1939 Jan 30

Letter to Keith-Roach, including refusal to release prisoners for the Feast of Sacrifice, and arrested members of the Husseini family. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/28 1939 Feb 1

Letter to Charles and Lt Col S A Gabb Cdr, 1 Bn Worcestershire Regt in Hebron referring to feuds between Hebron and Dura, with instructions to warn both parties against lawlessness and to avoid partiality. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/29 1939 Feb 1

Letter to Keith-Roach, naming members of the Husseini family arrested and charged, and those released. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/30 1939 Feb 1, 1939 Feb 3

Letter from Haining, recommending release of Abu Gosh, and referring to Gosh's service in Turkey with Allenby during World War One. With letter from Wetherall, describing the release. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/31 1939 Feb 1-1939 Feb 14

Papers relating to the proposal to disarm the Bedu tribe in Beersheba of guns. Including views of Battershill and A Saunders, Inspector General in Palestine Police; and recommendations of Maj Rex Parsons in Gaza that guns belonging to the Bedu be registered rather than confiscated. 7pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/32 1939 Feb 3

Letter to Wetherall and Brig O H Tidbury, Cdr 18 Infantry Bde referring to extra issues of tea, cocoa and rum and suggesting that rum only be issued to troops before they go to bed. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/33 1939 Feb 4, 1939 Feb 8

Correspondence with Giles, requesting information on the presence of Italian convents or monasteries in rebel areas; and referring to local refusal to use the holy places in Haram until the police post is withdrawn. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/34 1939 Feb 9

Message from Cdr of 8 Div with congratulations on operations of 8 Feb against rebels. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/35 1939 Feb 17-1939 Feb 21

Correspondence with Wetherall, recommending severe punishment following attempted murder of a British police constable (probably in Jaffa); Wetherall's orders to police in the event of attack; and O'Connor's suggestion that the Suq area in the Old City, Jerusalem be closed if attacks occur there. 4pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/36 1939 Feb 18

Letter from Tegart, commenting on Wetherall's orders concerning attacks on policemen and suggesting that areas of the Old City, Jerusalem be evacuated if attacks persist. With reference to orders for flogging of juvenile offenders and to drafting of police patrol orders. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/37 1939 Feb 20-1939 Feb 22

Correspondence with A J Kingsley- Hall, Deputy Iinspector General at Police HQ in Jerusalem concerning urban patrols, including Kingsley-Hall's instructions for searches of people and vehicles, and the issue of firearms. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/38 1939 Feb 23

Letter to W R McGeagh, Assistant District Commissioner at District Commissioner's Office in Jerusalem concerning accommodation of O'Connor's Assistant District Commissioner and other staff in Katamon. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/39 1939 Feb 23, 1939 Feb 24

Copy of letter from Keith-Roach to Battershill, concerning the administration of Palestine and suggesting a simpler form of government including reduction of Civil Magistrates and proposing that trivial cases be tried in villages; and reduction of Government Medical Officers. With covering letter to O'Connor. 5pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/40 1939 Feb 27-1939 Mar 7

Correspondence with Haining, concerning the alleged transfer of troops from Bethlehem and their replacement by policemen. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/41 1939 Mar 1

Letter from Wainwright of the Palestine Police, referring to arrangements for his staff to be informed of any decisions made at a conference attended by O'Connor. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/42 1939 Mar 6, 1939 Mar 10

Letter from Wetherall, referring to the letter (included) from Lt Col S D Mills of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regt concerning sniper attacks on the RAF post at Ramleh. With comments on measures to deter saboteurs on the Jaffa-Jerusalem railway. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/43 1939 Mar 14

Letter from Haining referring to the attack on policemen during curfew hours on the Nablus Road on 1 Mar. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/44 1939 Mar 16-1939 Mar 23

Papers relating to Buxton, including copy of Buxton's report to Battershill, criticising methods military and police control in Gaza and citing incidents of punitive searches and taking of Arab hostages; and O'Connor's letter to Haining, commenting on it and suggesting Buxton be transferred. 21pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/45 1939 Mar 17

Letter from Haining, concerning the planned strike by Jewish citizens including recommendation that officials and others whose absence from duty might endanger security should not take part. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/46 1939 Mar 24

Letter from Wetherall concerning the proposed agreement with rebel Hassan Salameh including Salameh's area of control, and terms and advantages of an agreement. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/47 1939 Mar 25-1939 Mar 27

Copies of correspondence between Montgomery, Cdr 8 Div and Haining, including Montgomery's suggestions for the regrouping of brigades in his division and Haining's comments. 8pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/48 1939 Mar 29-1939 Mar 30

Messages concerning arrangements for the visit of O'Connor and his wife to Egypt. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/49 1939 Apr 5

Letter from Wetherall, apparently concerning the transfer of Buxton and planned police Court of Inquiry into his conduct. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/50 1939 Apr 10

Letter from Government House (not signed) detailing the correct procedure in signing the visitor's book at Government House. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/51 1939 Apr 19

Copy of letter from Montgomery to Haining concerning accommodation and suggested release of detainees in 8 Div area; and criticising proposals to disarm inhabitants of Palestine and local villages, due to risk of invsion by neighbouring tribes. 3pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/52 1939 Apr 22

Copy of letter from Battershill to Wetherall concerning the ill-treatment in Gaza of Said Abu Shargh and the refusal of the latter to lodge a complaint. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/53 1939 Apr 24, 1939 May 6

'Despatch on the operations carried out by the British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan' issued by Force HQ in Jerusalem and covering operations from 1 Nov 1938 to 31 Mar 1939. Including details of searches in Jaffa and Jerusalem and confiscation of weapons; appearance of two separate 'loyal' (to British rule) Arab movements, led by Fakri Nashashibi in Hebron and Fakri Abdul Hadi in Samaria; introduction of stringent traffic control regulations in urban and rural districts; list of significant operations noting casualties and weapons captured; and lists of recipients of honours and awards. With covering letter from Capt A P C Crossley, Assistant Military Secretary at Force HQ. 1 booklet, 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/54 1939 May 9, 1939 May 21

Letter from Maj Gen D K McLeod, General Officer Commanding in Burma commenting on O'Connor's 'Instructions for the application of Military Control' (not included). With O'Connor's reply, stating the main differences between military control and martial law. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/55 [1939 May]

Papers relating to the theory and practice of Military Control. Including definition; advantages; detail of Emergency Regulations in Palestine, 1938-1939; notes on 'Instructions for the application of Military Control in Palestine'; and notes on the Military Courts. 2 copies, 28pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/56 1939 Jun 6

Letter from Wetherall referring to disturbances in the Beit Dajan area attributed to the Yanis brothers and/or Yehiya Haj Ali. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/57 1939 Jun 21

Letter from Haining enclosing a copy of a message from the Secretary of State, dated 14 Jun, in appreciation of work of troops and police to preserve peace following publication of the White Paper. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/58 1939 Jun 26

Letter to Haining referring to Keith-Roach's interview with the Supreme Moslem Council concerning possible transfer of police post in Haram. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/59 1939 Jun 26

Letter to the Iraq Petroleum Company in Haifa advising against surveys by geological and geophysical parties of oil prospecting licences in Beersheba. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/60 1939 Jun [26]

Letter from Haining detailing complaints made by the Air Officer Commanding (probably Harris) about the tendency to minimise contributions made by the RAF towards operations. 2pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/61 1939 Jun-Jul

Papers relating to the arrest of students of Hebrew University under the Emergency Regulations. Including correspondence with Giles concluding that the students are members of the Irgun Tzvai Leumi (National Military) organisation; and Dr J Magnes at the University, pleading the innocence of Abraham Zaltzman and Meir Slonim (Zaltzman was subseqently released). 16pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/62 1939 Jul 22

Letter from member of 2 Highland Light Infantry (possibly Bernard Fletcher) in Gaza, referring to relations with Buxton, proposed transfer of Arif El Arif (apparently connected with administration in tribal courts) to Gaza; and enclosing letter from Chief Secretary Sir John MacPherson, concerning the above. 6pp

OCONNOR: 3/4/63 1939 Aug 5

Letter to Maj Gen T S Riddell-Webster, Director of Movements and Quartering at War Office concerning request by 2 King's Own Regt to return to England earlier than timetabled. 1p

OCONNOR: 3/4/64 1939 Aug 22 1939 Aug 30

Letter from Count Mazzolini, Italian Consul-General in Jerusalem requesting a permanent travel permit for Giuseppe Monterosso. With reply, refusing the request. 2pp
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