HC Deb 01 July 1936 vol 314 cc386-7
30. Mr. CREECFI JONES

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the decision of the Palestine Government to destroy immediately a considerable part of the old city of Jaffa. is necessary for dealing with the present disorders; whether adequate alternative accommodation for the 6,000 inhabitants likely to be displaced has been found; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to preventing such a drastic destruction of Arab homes?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The demolition works at Jaffa, the nature of which I explained in my speech on 19th June, and in my reply on 24th June to a question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), are considered necessary in the interests of public security. I am satisfied that the Palestine Government has taken and will take any steps that may be thought desirable as regards the accommodation of the displaced families, and I will ask the High Commissioner to furnish me with information on the subject.

Mr. GALLACHER

Am I to take it that the Minister is preparing to make the way of the Commission easy by wiping out the Arab population of Palestine

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I must protest against that. Before all these areas in the old City of Jaffa were cleared in order to give access to the port all the population was moved from the areas that were going to be affected. There were no casualties whatever and the operation has been completed without any injuries.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is it not the case that a new great area is being demolished and that no accommodation has been prepared for the Arabs?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

That is definitely not true. Special accommodation has been provided.