HC Deb 16 April 1930 vol 237 cc2885-6
23. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the High Commissioner has taken with regard to the Grand Mufti's letter inciting resistance to the French authorities in Syria?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

As I have already stated, the Secretary of State does not propose to pursue this matter further. I do not think it would serve any public interest to add anything to that statement.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question? I asked him what action the High Commissioner had taken.

Dr. SHIELS

I have already answered a similar question, and, as I have stated, my Noble Friend is not prepared to make any further statement on the matter.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the last occasion he said that the High Commissioner had taken action? I repeat the question: "What action has been taken?"

31. Sir GEORGE JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the findings of the Palestine Commission against the Mufti in regard to the evidence he gave before them contained in the first paragraph on page 77 of their Report; whether it is proposed to take any action in respect thereto; and, particularly, whether it is proposed to take proceedings against the Mufti under Section 4 of the Commission of Inquiry Ordinance of 1921?

Dr. SHIELS

I have read everything that the Commission have said in their Report with regard to the Grand Mufti. I am not aware of any proposal to take action.

Sir G. JONES

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the Mufti is fit to hold his position in view of the finding against him, namely, that he gave false evidence before the Commission?

Dr. SHIELS

In regard to this matter generally, I would like it to be clearly understood that I do not wish to be made a sounding board for anti-Arab and anti-Jewish propaganda. An hon. Member on the other side of the House a few days ago, made a plea to hon. Members in this connection which I should like to reinforce. We are trying to find a way to peace in Palestine, and these questions are not helpful.