§ 39. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature and the extent of the damage done by Jews to the Moslem holy places?
§ Mr. LUNNIt has been claimed that damage was done by Jews to a certain tomb and surrounding edifices in the Zikron Moshe quarter of Jerusalem. The claim remains to be investigated. No other cases have been reported. I take this opportunity of stating that rumours at one time current that Jews had attacked the Haram-al-Sharif or sacred buildings therein are entirely without foundation.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. gentleman aware that the shrine of the Prophet's Companion was looted and the Koran destroyed there?
Earl WINTERTONWill the hon. Gentleman consider awaiting the Report of the Committee of Investigation before answering specific charges of this kind, in view of the fact that he has said that he was unable to give any information till the Report was received?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIn view of the suggestion that damage has been done to the tomb of the Prophet's Companion, a sort of rumour which will do infinite harm, will the hon. Gentleman take early steps to contradict the rumour, which I believe to be entirely fallacious?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYMay I show the right hon. Gentleman a photograph of this tomb and the Koran which has been destroyed, which I have with me, to show that this is not a rumour but is perfectly true?