HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1877-9
29. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he can now state whether the British military authorities received any warning of the possibility of anti-Jewish rioting in Jerusalem on the occasion of the Moslem pilgrimage on 4th April last; if so, what steps were taken to preserve order; and whether Mr. Jabotinsky will be allowed to appeal against his sentence of 15 years' penal servitude?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am still awaiting the full reports of the recent occurrences in Jerusalem, but I take this opportunity of informing the House that as well as the reduction of sentence on Mr. Jabotinsky to one year's imprisonment without hard labour, the sentences on the 19 Jews of three years' penal servitude, have been reduced to six months' imprisonment without hard labour. The sentences of 15 years' penal servitude on the two Moslems convicted of rape and on the Jew convicted of unlawful wounding have been allowed to stand.

According to my latest information, the total numbers tried by Military Court in Jerusalem amounted to 31, composing 21 Jews, 9 Mohammedans, and I Christian, As well as the sentences already enumerated the following additional persons have been dealt with or are awaiting trial:

  • 1 Moslem convicted. Charge and sentence not yet known.
  • 6 Moslems charged with making speeches in public places calculated to arouse hostilities. One of these was found guilty, sentenced to two years' imprisonment and fined £20. Three were acquitted and two absconded from bail. One Christian found guilty of a similar offence was awarded two years' imprisonment and fined £20.
  • 5 Jews are now being tried on a charge of being in possession of firearms.
The following are also awaiting trial:
  • 1 Jew for attempted murder.
  • 2 Jews for being in possession of fire-arms.
  • 1 Moslem for, it is believed, unlawful wounding.
  • 3 Moslems for assisting the escape of absconders.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman now say whether Lieutenant Jabotinsky will be allowed to appeal against this reduced sentence?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot say, without notice.

Major LOWTHER:

Was the sentence of fifteen years' penal servitude confirmed by Lord Allenby?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The sentence has been reduced by Lord Allenby.