§ 34. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the McMahon letters with the Sherif Hussein have been published; how many have not been published; and whether, in view of the importance of clearing up the divergent views held about this correspondence, he will have the whole of this correspondence published?
§ Dr. SHIELSI understand that none of the letters between General McMahon and the Sherif Hussein has been officially published. The second part of the question does not therefore arise. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIn view of the great misunderstanding that exists at the present time, does the hon. Member not think that it is time this matter should be cleared up by publishing these letters?
§ Dr. SHIELSI think I have on many occasions indicated the reasons which make it undesirable and unnecessary, in our opinion, for this publication to take place.
§ Mr. McSHANEWhat does the hon. Member mean by saying that they have not been officially published? If they have been unofficially published, is it possible to presume that Members of this House should get to know the contents of the letters?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am not aware that the letters have been unofficially published, completely. There have been various extracts given from time to time, but I am not aware that the letters as a whole have been published, either officially or unofficially.