HC Deb 30 May 1922 vol 154 c1902
12. Mr. MALONE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will issue as a. White Paper particulars of the concessions in Palestine granted to Mr. Pinhas M. Rutenberg?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think it necessary to incur the expense of reprinting the agreements with Mr. Rutenberg, but I will place copies in the Library.

Mr. MALONE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see the desirability of giving the House the fullest particulars of this concession in view of the very malicious opposition organised in certain anti-Semitic centres?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think that hon. Members who wish to study this matter will have an opportunity in the Library of reading the details. It is rather a serious business to embark upon the widespread printing of these long and complicated documents, but if the interest of hon. Members in them is so great, I will have them printed.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Will the Paper placed in the Library make it clear that the terms of this concession were negotiated between Mr. Rutenberg and the Colonial Office, and what terms the Colonial Office has specifically agreed to and for which they are responsible?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am quite ready to face this matter if there be any necessity to do so.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the attack made upon this contract in the "Daily Mail"?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I read nothing but attacks upon everything in the "Daily Mail."