§ 56. Major MILNERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions there are on the immigration of Arabs into Palestine and the return of Palestinian Arabs to their own country from places to which they have emigrated, respectively?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Arabs who are not Palestinian citizens desiring to enter Palestine as immigrants are subject to the same restrictions as other non-Palestinians. These restrictions are set out in the Palestine Immigration Ordinance and Regulations, of which I will send a copy to the hon. and gallant 2069 Member. The Ordinance provides that persons habitually resident in Trans-Jordan may, unless the High Commissioner shall otherwise direct, enter Palestine direct from Trans-Jordan although they are not in possession of passports or other similar documents, but such persons are not permitted to settle or take up employment in Palestine unless they can qualify as immigrants under the Immigration Ordinance. There is no restriction on the return to Palestine of Palestinian citizens who have emigrated from that country, but persons who have been granted certificates of Palestinian citizenship, or of naturalisation as Palestinian citizens, are liable to lose that citizenship if they have been for a period of not less than three years ordinarily resident out of Palestine and have not maintained substantial connection with that country.
§ Major MILNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are complaints from Palestinians who have migrated to America and are not permitted to return or have some difficulty in entering the country if they desire to do so?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo. I have not heard of any complaints.