יומנים > יומן - מלא 16/09/1948

– At 7 p.m. Shaul [Avigur] came. They examined two cannons from the Mexicans – and both of them exploded. Now they’re examining whether the shell or the cannon is “to blame.” 32 such C. [cannons] were brought from Mexico. Shaul works in a small sector – procurement – but from within it he sees that the entire economic system [finances and logistics] of the Defense Ministry has no landlord [boss, person in charge] (true!). A bureaucracy (a good one of course) is needed, Shaul thinks [we need] someone like Perlson [Eliezer Peri] or [Nahum] Verlinsky. Shaul thinks we need to keep Yosef Yizraeli. Yisrael Amir is not suitable as a replacement for Yosef Y.

       – At 8 p.m. Ya’akov [Dori] came. He asked what conclusion I’d reached on the matter of the Palmach staff. I told him that during the conference [of Palmach commanders in Na’an] it became clear to me that there’s confusion and incomprehension in the minds of Palmach commanders, and the main speakers didn’t clearly explain whether Palmach is distinctly professional-technical, or political-ideological, or both, and the need for and utility of the staff weren’t explained. But if one accepts Yigal Allon’s explanation, that Palmach needs the staff not because of political or professional distinctiveness (Yigal also claims a little professional distinctiveness and excellent squad commander training in the Palmach) – then the staff should be maintained for now, but only as determined by the General Staff. Every staff member’s position will be indicated – and the General Staff will determine whether there is [to be] such a role or not. Ya’akov opposes a special intake [of new recruits] for the Palmach.

       Ya’akov proposes that the army produce a military dictionary. The language committee cannot be relied on – it will take forever there. The linguistic material is concentrated in [the military magazine] Maarachot – the linguistic experts [in military language] are Rafael Shapira (works in the Training Department), was a Mizrachi seminar student, and [Avraham] Akavia (worked with Wingate). I agreed to this.

       Ya’akov proposes that Baruch Rabinov be added to the budget committee. I agreed to this. Ya’akov also wants to have Baruch invited to Staff meetings.

       – Later Elik [Shomroni] and [Yehiel] Duvdevani came. This morning the Defense Ministry held a youth meeting: the [youth movements] HaTzofim [Scouts], HaTnua HaMeuchedet, half of No’ar Oved, Young Maccabi, [Bnei] Akiva agreed to NAHAL [No’ar Halutzi Lohem, “Pioneer Fighting Youth” – a combined military service and agricultural settlement program]. Those opposed were Mahanot Olim, HaShomer HaTza’ir, half of No’ar Oved, Bnei Akiva (HaPo’el HaMizrachi). The youth of HaPo’el HaMizrachi are going with Mapam. Everyone is sneaking their youth into the Palmach. I requested that facts be submitted to me in this matter – who bypasses the Personnel Department to join Palmach, when and where.

       – At ten I went to the State Council. A decision was finally reached regarding income tax.