A Survey of Palestinian Industry: Diamonds in Palestine before 1948 (Nakba), British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume I - Page 528. Chapter XIII: Section 4

CHAPTER XIII.

institutions in developing new synthetic drugs, and from the presence of experts who were formerly associated with the manufacture of pharmaceuticals in Europe. The number of preparations made by Palestine factories has increased from 350 before the war to about 800 in 1944, in addition to several hundred non-branded items. Four-fifths of all the types of medicines required are now produced locally, including such difficult preparations as prontosil rubrum, sulphaguanidine and histidine, which are manufactured in only one other country, the U.S.A. Value of output has risen steadily to £P.600,000 in 1944, of which £P.246,000 was exported.

(vii) Salt. The main sources of salt are the salt pans at Athlit.

Some 17 ,000 tons of salt are produced annually by evaporation. Though there is a sharp seasonal fluctuation, employment is provided for about 40 persons permanently and about 300 persons in the season.

V. DIAMONDS.

152. Since 1939, when arrangements were made for the import of rough stones from the Diamond Trading Corporation, the cutting and polishing of small diamonds in Palestine has rapidly assumed the status of a major industry. The invasion of the Netherlands in 1940 precluded the immigration of specialists and the supply of tools, but the training of local staff and the ingenuity of local engineers not only overcame these handicaps but also resulted in the introduction of certain improved processes.

DIAMOND INDUSTRY.

1942/43* I 1943/44* I 1944/45.
Establishments No. 33 31 33
Gross output £P. 1,258,085 2,781,042 * 4,120,346
Net output £P. 676,427 1,501,042 2,390,346
Persons engaged No. 3,322 3,570 3,330
Capital invested £P. 704,858 1,100,000 1,320,000
Horse power 1,084 l,100** 1,140 **
EXPORTS OF POLISHED DIAMONDS.

1942

1943

1944

1945***

148,000 5.900.000

Quantity (carats) Value (£P.J

26,400 947.000

61,700 2.621,000

77________________________,000 3,235,000

* Period of lat April to 31st March.

Estimated.

Estimated on the has is of the customs returns for 11 months.

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