§ 21. Lieut. - Commander FLETCHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the fact that a body of Arab Government officials, including judges and administrative officers, have signed a memorandum condemning the policy of His Majesty's Government in respect of Palestine, whether any disciplinary action is contemplated; and whether these officials will remain in the service of the Government they criticise?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have recently received, through the High Commissioner, a memorial presented to him by Arab officers in the First Division of the public service of Palestine, on the subject of the present situation in that country. The memorial is now under my consideration, and I am not in a position to say what reply will be returned to it.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERIs it consistent with the duty of these officials to submit such a memorial upon events in Palestine?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo, but I think a matter of this kind is governed by the traditions of the British public service and the Services generally, and if the memorial is submitted to the Secretary of State through the High Commissioner, in the recognised and prescribed way, it is always considered.
§ Mr. GALLACHERHas the Minister also received the findings of the judge of 424 the Supreme Court, and are they in accordance with the statement he made in this House regarding affairs in Palestine?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI do not know what the hon. Member means. I made a statement in regard to the state of affairs generally; this petition from the Arab civil servants also deals with the matter generally.
§ Mr. PALINGDo we understand that these people have the right to submit this petition?
§ Mr. GALLACHEROn a point of Order. I wanted to put down a question on the subject of the findings of the Supreme Court, and I tried to do so, but it was ruled out. Is there any way by which I may do that?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the question was ruled out of order, that is the end of it.