883.00/11–345: Telegram
The Consul General at Alexandria (Doolittle) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—12:09 a.m.]
97. Yesterday strike against Balfour Declaration planned as peaceful demonstration developed into riot at Alexandria. Gangs of hoodlums and street urchins armed with stones and sticks made shambles of shopping district around Consulate. Police forced to fire on mobs with result 10 dead, 300 wounded. Crowds directed by well-dressed Egyptians who seemed to have Wafdist14 connections. Situation got under control only after 5 p.m. Damage inflicted indiscriminately on Jewish, Greek, Armenian, other European and even few Moslem establishments. Some observers pretend to see pattern personal revenge in certain cases.
Damage to Americans included windows smashed in headquarters Alexandria Port Command, attack on mail convoy of four military trucks, two soldiers slightly hurt. Dental clinic of Dr. H. F. Curtis damages estimated 500 pounds. Window smashed in American Merchants Seamens Club. Most stores closed today and more serious troubles expected. Already reports being received of gatherings in native quarters.
- The Wafd (Nationalist) Party.↩