§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government intend to safeguard the civil and religious rights of all the inhabitants of Palestine, irrespective of race and religion, and intend to govern the country in conformity with the wishes of the majority of the population, or whether they still intend to make Palestine into a Jewish national home?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Government certainly intend to safeguard the civil and religious rights of all the inhabitants of Palestine, and to govern the country as 15 Mandatory power in accordance with the terms of the Mandate. As defined in the White Paper submitted to Parliament last year, His Majesty's Government are charged with the duty of facilitating the development by Jews of a Jewish national home in that country, but the creation of a Jewish State or Government is no part of such a policy. As Trustee for the Holy Land, on behalf of the League of Nations, it is the object of the British Government and of the British Administration in Palestine to promote the harmony and development of all races and creeds in Palestine, and to prevent the domination of any one over any other.
§ Captain BERKELEYDo the Government still adhere to the Balfour Declaration?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes.