18. Colonel NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Emir Feisul, the self-appointed King of Syria and Palestine, intends to present himself before the Conference at San Remo and claim a mandate for the territories in question; and whether he is aware of the determination of the people of this country that Jerusalem and Palestine shall not, like Constantinople, be allowed to remain under non-Christian rule, but shall be administered by this country whether by mandate of the League of Nations or by agreement with France and Italy?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYAn invitation has been extended to the Emir Feisul to appear before the Peace Conference, and 543 state his claims in person. Until he does so, it is impossible to say what those claims may be. The future of Jerusalem and Palestine is at present under consideration by the Peace Conference, and the House may rest assured that the views of the people of this country are adequately represented by the British Delegation.
§ Major Earl WINTERTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the statement in the question that the Emir Feisul was self-appointed King of Syria is not accurate, and that he was appointed by a delegation representing all the people in the territory in question; and, further, is he aware that the Emir Feisul is a staunch ally, and during the War has never taken up an anti-Christian attitude?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYMy answer to that is that I do not accept the description given in the question.