§ 11. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Lieutenant Jabotinsky may now be allowed hack in Palestine?
Mr. THOMASAfter considering this matter further in consultation with the acting High Commissioner, I am satisfied that the circumstances are not such as would justify any modification, at the present juncture, of the attitude adopted by the late Secretary of State.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lieutenant Jabotinsky fought for us in the War and was decorated, and that he has been excluded from Palestine solely because of the Arab massacres?
Mr. THOMASThe question as to what should be the attitude to those who fought in the War will have to be considered in relationship to their present 817 attitude. I am sure that the late Secretary of State, who is always anxious to preserve what is called freedom of speech, arrived at this decision in the best interests of Palestine and in the best interests of everybody.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the previous Secretary of State, who knew Jabotinsky well, did not have quite a different opinion of him?
Mr. THOMASI do not know the opinion of the previous Secretary of State, but the late Secretary of State, Lord Passfield, considered the whole situation before coming to a decision. I see no reason to alter his decision.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs not this gentleman a firebrand; and would it not be unwise to allow him to enter Palestine in the present state of affairs in that country?