§ 16. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can inform the House as to the circumstances connected with the departure of Mr. Norman Bentwich from the post of Attorney-General in Palestine?
Mr. THOMASThe right hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware of the peculiar racial and political conditions of Palestine, and of the difficulties with which the Administration has in consequence to contend. The late Secretary of State satisfied himself, after the most careful consideration, that, for reasons in no way affecting Mr. Bentwich's personal character or record, those difficulties would not be diminished by his retention of the office of Attorney-General. In these circumstances, the late Secretary of State was anxious that employment suitable to Mr. Bentwich's distinguished abilities should be found for him elsewhere; and offers to submit his name for promotion to high judicial office in the Colonial Service were made to him on two occasions. As, however, Mr. Bentwich made it clear that he would not accept a post outside Palestine, there was no alternative but to retire him on pension. His retirement will take effect from the 1st of November.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the real reason why Mr. Bentwich was retired was that he was a Jew, and, further—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise out of the answer.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI submit, Sir, that it does arise. I have asked why he was retired, and the reason was that they failed to assassinate him.
§ 25. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies seeing that it is proposed to retire the Attorney-General of Palestine eight years before he has reached pensionable age and that in order to do this special regulations had to be made to entitle him to a pension, and in view of the need for world economy, whether he will reconsider this expenditure?
§ Mr. MATHERSDoes the right hon. Gentleman find in this a precedent for the National Union of Railwaymen to follow?
Mr. THOMASI do not know, but I am quite sure that any precedents set up during my association with the National Union of Railwaymen would be good ones.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs not this gentleman being retired on pension before his time?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I press the right hon. Gentleman to answer my question? Is it not a fact that the intended assassination of Bentwich forms a strong element in the need for his retirement?
Mr. THOMASI have no reason to suppose, and I refuse to admit, that my predecessor was influenced by other than the highest and best motives.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Is not this gentleman being retired on pension?