§ Mr. D. GRENFELL(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on the disturbances in Palestine?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROn 8th October the Palestine Arab Executive 29 Committee passed a resolution in favour of a general strike to take place on 13th October, accompanied by a demonstration by means of a procession in Jerusalem, to protest against Jewish immigration and the sale of land to Jews. The officer administering the Government very properly warned the Executive, in the interests of public order, that any such demonstration would be prohibited, giving them at the same time an assurance that any representations that they chose to make in the proper manner would be laid before the High Commissioner immediately on his return from leave in a few days' time. Despite the Government's prohibition, however, which had been publicly announced, a persistent attempt at a demonstration was made in Jerusalem which had to be dispersed by the police, who behaved with great judgment and forbearance.
The Arab Executive then announced their intention of holding a similar political demonstration at Jaffa on 27th October. On 25th October the High Commissioner received the President and Members of the Arab Executive and replied to representations with regard to Jewish immigration. The High Commissioner also informed them that no political procession or demonstration would be allowed in Jaffa, but that members of the Executive would be permitted to proceed to the District Office and there hand a written statement to the District Commissioner for transmission to the High Commissioner. Despite the High Commissioner's prohibition, the Arab Executive persisted in holding a demonstration at Jaffa. This took place about mid-day on 27th October, and was followed later by disturbances in Haifa and Nablus. These disturbances were of a serious character and the police were subjected to frequent attacks including the use of fire-arms. After endeavours had been made to quell the riots by baton charges, the police were forced, in some cases, to fire before order could be restored.
Attempts were made to organise demonstrations in other towns but the High Commissioner reports that thanks to the commendable discretion and powers of persuasion shown by Administrative and Police officers on the spot the crowds were persuaded to disperse without endangering public security or clashing with the Police. As a precautionary 30 measure an Order-in-Council was brought into force by the High Commissioner on 30th October to enable him to exercise special powers to deal with the emergency. In view of the loss of life which had occurred, the arrangements for the festivities which were to have accompanied the ceremonial opening of Haifa harbour were cancelled by the High Commissioner. In other respects the ceremonial opening took place on 31st October according to plan.
Members will, no doubt, have followed the Press reports of the communiques which have been issued daily by the High Commissioner, and I do not think I can usefully add any detailed information to the full account which is given in those communiques. I may, however, remark that, apart from three incidents at Jerusalem on the 29th of October, and a demonstration at Ammam on the 31st of October, which dispersed quietly, no incidents of any consequence are reported as having occurred throughout Palestine and Transjordan since the disturbances at Haifa on the morning of the 28th of October, and the general strike which began on the 29th of October ended on the night of the 3rd of November. The admirable conduct shown by the police at the outset of the disturbances has been maintained throughout under most trying conditions, and the House will, I am sure, have noted with satisfaction that active intervention by the military authorities was nowhere found necessary.
Let me repeat once again the firm assurance of His Majesty's Government that their duty under the Mandate, which is a duty to both Arabs and Jews, will be discharged with scrupulous fairness. I would add, what I know the House will endorse, that no officer could be found better qualified by knowledge, sympathy and experience to discharge that duty on the spot than the present High Commissioner.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDWhat action is the right hon. Gentleman taking to restrict the illegal immigration of Jews into Palestine?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like to have that question on the Paper. There has been such immigration and very practical steps are being taken to deal with it, but I should like to have the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. JANNERAre any steps being taken in order that the thousands of people who come from Transjordan and are not Jews shall not be permitted to come in the manner that they have been in the past?
Sir P. CUNLIFE-LISTERCertainly it would be very wrong of me to attempt to answer a question of that kind without sifting the facts very fully.