§ 21. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any telegrams or communications from the. Supreme Moslem Council protesting against the grant of the Dead Sea Concession to Mr. Novomeysky; and whether he is taking any action to safeguard Mohammedan interests?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received no such communication from the Supreme Moslem Council; but, as has been explained in another place, the President of that Council sent a telegram on the subject to my Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, about a month ago. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the provisions of the draft concession, which have been accepted by the Government of Palestine and by the Arab Government of Trans-jordan, will adequately safeguard the interests of the inhabitants of both territories.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs my right hon. Friend taking any steps to meet the objections of the Mohammedan population, which is very considerable, with regard to this concession.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI do not know on what the hon. and gallant Gentleman bases that supposition. I know the objections of the National League in this country, and of certain people in Palestine, who are organised by that National League, but upon what ground the hon. and gallant Gentleman speaks for the Government of Transjordan or the Arabs of Palestine, I do not know.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it a fact that the so-called Supreme Moslem Council is only a small body representing extreme Mohammedan elements, and that it is a case of the deep calling the deep with regard to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury)?