British intelligence and the role of Jewish informers in Palestine

Abstract

The disturbances in Palestine which lasted for nine days from 23 August 1929, took the form of vicious attacks by Arabs upon Jews. Though the racial tension and alarming signals rose greatly during the month that preceded the outbreak, no precautionary measures had been taken bythe authorities.' Long before August 1929, the country had been denuded of security forces below the margin of safety. The Palestine Police and especially its Arab section, could not be relied on as a force for preserving public security in the event of racial disturbances. The intelligence system which was mostly based on Arab policemen broke down when it came to exposing plots, religious or political, which were essentially Arab.2 Sir H.L. Dowbiggin, Inspector General of Police in Ceylon, was called upon to investigate and to report on the reorganization of the Palestine Police and its intelligence.3 Dowbiggin devised a detailed plan intended to serve as a guide for the reorganization of the Palestine Police.4 It was the duty of every officer to use his best endeavours and ability, impartially to prevent all crimes, offences and public nuisances and to preserve the peace. Dowbiggin made an analogy with the situation in England in which the General Strike of 1926 had failed, because the government had taken precautionary measures to prevent it. Thus the Palestine Police were now obliged to collect and to communicate intelligence in order to be able to prevent a breach of the peace or a crime against a person or his property. The prevention of disturbances was more desirable and was of greater value than the quelling of it by the use of force.5 Dowbiggin found that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was the weakest link in the whole police system. He described in detail the duties and the scope of the work of the CID so that there was no room for error. The CID should definitely be charged with the duty of collecting information in advance, and to keep the Government, the Police and the Military informed. The CID should submit a daily appreciation of the situation. For the fulfilment of its duties it would be in close touch with the