§ 43. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the speech delivered by Mr. Jabotinsky, at Tel Aviv, on 23rd December, 1929; and why steps were not taken under the Seditious Offences Ordinance Act with regard to that speech?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir. I have seen a report of the speech in question. I am not aware whether action on the lines suggested in the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question was considered by the local authorities. I understand that Mr. Jabotinsky left Palestine two days after the speech was delivered.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he made an extremely inflammatory speech, that the position in Palestine is very bad, and that this gentleman was sentenced to 15 years in 1920 for a similar offence?
§ Dr. SHIELSI quite agree that it would be generally advantageous if both Jews and Arabs would talk more calmly on these matters.
§ Captain E. N. BENNETTIs it not a fact that in 1920 Mr. Jabotinsky was liberated from gaol after serving six weeks of his 15 years' sentence, and was deported on the distinct understanding that he was not to return to Palestine?
§ Dr. SHIELSI was not aware of the statements that my hon. and gallant Friend has made, but I will certainly take note of them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEOn a point of Order—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI will deal with the point of order in good time. Meanwhile, I hope hon. Members in all quarters of the House will assist me in preventing the system of supplementary questions becoming abused.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWe on this side consider that the situation in Palestine is a very dangerous one, and that we have a right to put a certain number of questions to the Minister if possible, and we ask for fair protection.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf hon. Members have further questions to ask, it would be very much better to put them down separately instead of putting them as supplementaries.