§ 38. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action has yet been taken in Palestine to check the incitements to violence in the Arab Press and propaganda against England emanating from Italy?
§ Mr. MATHERSOn a point of Order. May I ask if the word "England" here means "Great Britain," and, if that is so, can we have protection against the use of the description "England" in questions when "Great Britain" is intended?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I can assure the right hon. Member that a close watch is kept on the vernacular Press. One Arab newspaper was recently suspended temporarily for publishing an article inciting to violence. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have on several occasions caused representations to be made to the Italian Government on the subject of the anti-British propaganda broadcast in Arabic by the radio station at Bari. There has lately been an improvement in the tone of such broadcasts.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODApart from broadcasting, has the right hon. Gentleman seen the leading Arab newspapers, and is he aware that, without the slightest interference from the Palestinian Government they are now publishing this:
We are all now determined to fight England, because England is the source of trouble everywhere. She is a past master—
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask if that is not being published with impunity, and that it is regarded as innocuous by the Palestinian Government?
§ Mr. THOMASI will make enquiries on that point.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDWhen is the new broadcasting station which is being erected in Palestine going to be completed?
§ Mr. THOMASI do not know.