§ 54. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister whether the questions of Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia have 845 been, or will be, discussed at the conference at San Remo; and, if so, whether any decision has yet been reached as to their future political status?
79. Lieut.-Colonel MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to bring about an agreement between the Emir Feisul and representatives of the Jewish people concerning the future of Palestine?
Mr. HARMSWORTHUndoubtedly the questions of Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia have been under discussion at San Remo, but I am not at the moment in a position to make any further statement.
§ Lord R. CECILCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the statement made in the newspapers this morning is accurate, and whether it is the continued policy of the Government to allow information to this House to be conveyed only through the newspapers?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not possible to get some statement from the Government?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand that there is no truth in the statement communicated to the Press, that the mandate for Syria has been conferred on France, and that for Palestine and Mesopotamia on Great Britain?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI do not think my hon. Friend ought to assume that, but I would prefer that he should not put any further question on this matter until we have the official information from San Remo.
§ Sir D. MACLEANMay I ask when the House may expect that statement?
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWould the hon. Gentleman be prepared to answer a Private Notice question to-morrow on this subject?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI could not say that for certain, but certainly the information will be forthcoming in a few days.
Sir W. JOYNSON HICKSWould the hon. Gentleman telegraph to San Remo asking if these statements are true or not?