§ 2. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Daham el Hadi and Mohammed Faraj, two Syrian subjects, have been kept for two years on Qumaran Island in the Red Sea without trial; and for how long it is proposed to keep them there.
§ Mr. EdenThe two persons named were detained by the Allied military authorities for persistent wheat hoarding at a time of acute shortage and public suffering and also for their obstructive attitude to the military authorities. The duration of their detention is a matter within the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East.
§ Mr. HoggHaving regard to the fact that they have been for two years on this island without trial, will not my right hon. Friend ask for the case to be reconsidered?
§ Mr. EdenIt is a very bad case indeed. These men were guilty, at a time of great shortage and public suffering, of food hoarding, a very serious offence, particularly in that part of the world. Action 1357 was taken in full agreement with the Syrian Government. I cannot give any undertaking that I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. EdenThe circumstances were exceptional. The military authority have these powers in the case of this particular offence and I should be very reluctant to interfere.