HC Deb 28 June 1934 vol 291 cc1300-1
37. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any appeal has been made from the sentence of one month's imprisonment imposed upon the Arab Jemal Husseini for arousing riots; if so, when it will be heard; and whether bail has been allowed?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

Jamal el Husseini was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with hard labour. He has appealed, and bail has been granted pending the hearing of the appeal, which will take place on the 2nd July.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask why there is this difference between Jemal Husseini and Achi Meir? Is it an example of British justice in Palestine?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I do not think it is proper for the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to ask questions of that kind, and certainly it would be most improper for me to comment on the conduct of justice in either the one case or the other.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that equal justice is handed out both to Arab and to Jew in Palestine?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman has no business to make an insinuation of that kind against the judiciary, which carries out English principles of justice in every case.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

The right hon. Gentleman has no business to attempt to teach me my business in looking after British interests.