HC Deb 03 December 1928 vol 223 cc812-3
11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the circumstances under which Mohamed Ali, the Indian Moslem agitator, was recently permitted to enter Palestine, where he has been making attacks upon His Majesty's Government in Palestine upon the terms of the mandate and on the Zionists and their programme generally; and why this agitation by a Moslem, not an inhabitant of Palestine, is permitted in territory where we hold a mandate under the League of Nations?

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

On a point of Order. Is it in order under the guise of a question to make these attacks on our Mohammedan fellow subjects?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is never in order, in the guise of a question, to make attacks upon anybody.

Mr. AMERY

I understand that Mohamed Ali was given permission to pass through Palestine in transit, provided that his stay did not exceed three days. I have no information as to his activities while in Palestine, but I am glad to know that I can count upon the vigilance of the hon. and gallant Member in helping me to deal firmly with agitators who make attacks upon His Majesty's Government.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I do not know that I can reciprocate that trust. Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to these extraordinary public attacks made by this alien in Palestine on His Majesty's Government in Palestine?

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

is not Mohamed Ali a British subject?

Mr. AMERY

I believe he is a British subject. I will consider whether inquiries should be made into anything that he may have said.