HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1804-5
17. Mr. SAKLATVALA

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many arrests have taken place in Jaffa during the visit of Lord Balfour, and for what causes?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Sixteen persons were arrested on the day of Lord Balfour's arrival in Jaffa on a magistrate's warrant for action likely to cause an immediate breach of the peace. They were all members of a small Communist group. No breach of the peace actually occurred.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Cannot His Majesty's Government devise a plan for introducing British civilisation into other people's countries without the use of prison cells and air bombs?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

These 16 Communists issued inflammatory attacks on Lord Balfour of the most insulting nature and distributed them about the town. I think the action taken by the Palestine Government was absolutely essential; otherwise there would have been a serious breach of the peace.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Would not 16 young Englishmen do the same thing if an Arab chief came here to talk to you and tell you how you ought to live?