HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1934-6
Mr. S. Silverman

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further statement to make concerning the recent outrages in Jerusalem in view of the fact that the Arab Higher Committee have repudiated as false the document taking responsibility for the outrages.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have seen a Press report of the statement purporting to have been made by the Arab Higher Committee to which my hon. Friend refers. It is, however, a fact that such a pamphlet was circulated in Jerusalem yesterday, and I informed the House of that fact.

Mr. Silverman

Can my hon. Friend say whether he will now make investigations as to the origin of the pamphlet and whether, in the light of all that we now know, he does not now consider that the very best service that can be rendered to all people interested is to hold an inquiry into the matter?

Mr. Speaker

That does not arise from the original Question.

Mr. Eden

Arising from the Minister's reply, may we take it that whatever statement has been made by the Arab Higher Committee, or anybody else, he stands by his declaration of yesterday that in the view of His Majesty's Government British troops have no responsibility whatever for the outrages?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Most certainly. I entirely stand by the statement I made yesterday.

Mr. Stokes

I must, of course, accept my hon. Friend's assurance about British troops not being responsible, but in view of the ambiguity that has been created, does he not think that the most sensible thing to do is to carry out a full and proper inquiry so that the facts may be known?

Mr. Baldwin

Is it not a fact that the name on the memorandum is the name of someone closely connected with the Mufti?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Yes. He is one of the leading adjutants of the Mufti.

Mr. Janner

In view of the fact that the Arab Higher Executive have stated that Husseini was not in Palestine at all and that he had been away for the last four days, and in view of the fact that this pamphlet was supposed to have been signed by him, will my hon. Friend consider the importance of having a proper inquiry into this matter?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that we can carry this any further. The Minister has said that he did not know. Therefore, what is the good of going on?

Mr. Silverman

Will not my hon. Friend consider whether, in answer to the question which has been put to him from all sides of the House, he might agree that the proper thing is to hold an inquiry?

Mr. Speaker

That does not arise out of this Question.