§ 54. Mr. MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that certain Arabs who have been in rebellion against the King of the Hejaz and Nejd are now at Basrah; whether their escape from armed pursuit by the forces of King Ibn Saud was facilitated by British aeroplanes and motor transport being placed at their disposal; and what reply it is proposed to return to the demand for their immediate surrender received from King Ibn Saud?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative; the last part of the question does not therefore arise. Several thousand tribesmen who had rebelled against King Ibn Saud's authority surrendered with their leaders to contingents of the British Royal Air Force in Koweit early last month. After guarantees had been obtained that they would receive humane treatment, they were handed over to King Ibn Saud, who expressed his deep gratitude for the assistance rendered by His Majesty's Government. A small party of tribesmen of doubtful nationality, who had previously been in association with the rebels, surrendered to Iraqi police at the end of December last. The question of the disposal of this party is now under discussion between the Governments of Iraq and Nejd.
§ Mr. MALONEWill the hon. Member see that none of these gentlemen are sent to their doom?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir; safeguards were obtained in all these cases.