HC Deb 05 February 1930 vol 234 cc1889-90
44. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Sheikh El-Muzaffar, the honorary secretary of the Moslem and Christian Association, a former mufti of the Turkish Army, and nine other leading Moslems of Jaffa were arrested on the night of 23rd November, 1929; that these men were tried by the administrative Governor of Jaffa and not by a judge or magistrate; that they were not allowed counsel and were all sentenced to exile and imprisonment at Acre, and were sent handcuffed to two convicted murderers; and that, owing to the illtreatment received, the Sheikh El-Muzaffar and Midhat-Effendi Habbab are now seriously ill in hospital; and whether he will look into this matter and have a full inquiry made?

Dr. SHIELS

I have no information on some of the statements in the question and must not be taken as accepting them as accurate. I am aware that a number of persons engaged in political agitation and a compaign of intimidation were arrested on the occasion mentioned and were sentenced under the Prevention of Crimes Ordinance. The Ordinance provides for the imprisonment of persons who, when ordered to do so, fail to give security to keep the peace or to be of good behaviour. The circumstances were reported and fully gone into at the time, and I see no reason for making further inquiry now.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Why is there this reason for difference of treatment between Sheikh El-Muzaffar and Mr. Jabotinsky? Is it not because one is an Arab and the other a Jew?

Dr. SHIELS

No. I must repudiate such a suggestion. The hon. and gallant Gentleman must be aware that these matters are under the general supervision of the High Commissioner, and you cannot expect us here to interfere in these details. We are satisfied that the procedure under which these convictions took place was perfectly right and proper.

Earl WINTERTON

Does this special Ordinance to which the hon. Gentleman refers supplement or take the place of the ordinary law?

Dr. SHIELS

I understand it supplements the former law, but is now, of course, part of the ordinary law.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the hon. Gentleman get exact information on the point if I put down a question?

Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHT

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of inquiring into the present administration of justice in Palestine?