HC Deb 07 July 1924 vol 175 cc1771-2
60. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information with regard to the murder in Jerusalem of the prominent anti-Zionist, Dr. De Haan; whether he is aware that Dr. De Haan was about to leave for London to place before the Colonial Office the objections of the orthodox anti-Zionist Jews to the ordinances that are to place them under Zionist domination; and whether he will see that immediate steps are taken by the Government to apprehend the murderer?

Mr. THOMAS

I regret to state that Dr. De Haan was shot in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem on the night of the 30th June. Police investigations are being vigorously pursued, but I am rot yet in a position to make any statement as to their result. With regard to the second part of the question, it is not the case, according to my information, that Dr. De Haan was about to proceed to London.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not this was a political murder; and was it not due to the pro-Zionist aspirations of the present Government?

Mr. THOMAS

I do not think anyone could say that.