§ 72. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the frequent broadcasting in Arabic of Italian propaganda for reception in Palestine, Transjordania, and the surrounding districts; whether copies of such propaganda are available; and whether steps are being taken by his Department or by East African Governments to counteract this propaganda?
§ Commander SOUTHBY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to certain statements broadcast in Arabic by the Italian station "Radio Bari," and copies of the reported text in a number of instances have been communicated to him. He understands that the matter has been brought to the notice of His Excellency the Italian Ambassador. It may be added that the arrangements for the Government of Palestine's own broadcast service are now almost complete, and that this will be operating in the near future.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask the Colonial Office to get a report from Palestine on the Italian propaganda in that country? It has been going on for many years and is increasing.
§ Commander SOUTHBYI will direct the attention of my right hon. Friend to that point.