§ 48. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that numerous Arabs from Palestine had gone to the United States under old Turkish pass-ports after the War and have been re- 982 fused permission to return to Palestine or to obtain Palestinian citizenship; and will he see that similar treatment is given to them as to Jews who desire to return to their country and to obtain Palestinian citzenship?
§ Dr. SHIELSMany applications for Palestinian citizenship have been accepted from Turkish nationals resident abroad who were natives of Palestine. In cases in which applications have been refused, naturalisation can be obtained by the applicants if they return to Palestine and reside there for two years. Visas for Palestine are freely granted to any natives of Palestine who desire to return to that country if they can prove that they were born in Palestine and still possess Turkish citizenship, subject to the usual restrictions in regard to such matters as character and disease. The law and regulations on this subject apply to all persons born in Palestine, without distinction of race.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhy is it any more difficult for Arabs to come into the country than for the 100,000 Jews who have come in from Eastern Europe during the past 10 years? Why is there this differentiation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a hypothetical question.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYOn a point of Order. I was asking a definite question of fact, and it was not a hypothetical question at all. I asked why such a differentiation should be made.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI thought I heard the word "if" in the hon. and gallant Member's supplementary question.
§ Colonel HOWARD BURYNo, I never mentioned the word "if."