§ 22. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the 16 men arrested in Jaffa during Lord Balfour's visit have yet been tried; if so, with what offences were they charged and what was the verdict; if guilty, what sentences were passed; and if any further arrests were made in addition to the above-mentioned 16?
§ Mr. AMERYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The 16 men have been released. No further arrests have been made.
§ 24. Captain EDENasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any warning was received by the Government of Palestine prior to Lord Balfour's visit to Damascus as to the possibility of political disturbances in the event of that visit taking place?
§ Mr. AMERYThe High Commissioner informs me that no warning as to the possibility of political disturbances was received by the Palestine Government from Syria before Lord Balfour left Palestine to visit Damascus. On the 4th April, however, the Palestine Government learnt that a rumour was current in Haifa that Lord Balfour would be attacked in Syria—probably at Beyrout. This rumour was immediately com- 565 municated to the French authorities in Syria, who had been informed a month before of the proposed visit. They gave assurances that they would lake all possible precautions to ensure Lord Balfour's safety.