HC Deb 15 June 1936 vol 313 cc631-2
34. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to the causes of the recent Arab unrest in Palestine; whether this is in any way due to propaganda; if so, what has been the source of such propaganda; and who will bear the cost of the additional military assistance which has had to be called in to deal with the situation?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

The causes of unrest in Palestine will be one of the matters to be inquired into by the Royal Commission, and in the circumstances it would be improper for me to attempt to analyse them at this moment. As regards the additional military assistance, the Palestine Government will bear the extra cost in respect of the various units due to their being stationed in Palestine.

Captain MACDONALD

When will this inquiry be set up and proceed to Palestine?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

It will only be set up when law and order are fully restored and the British administration is in a position to guarantee its safety and peace in that country.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Have the Government no information as to the cause of the present disturbances in Palestine, and further, what action, if any, is the leader of the Mohammedan population, whose salary is paid by the British Government, taking to attempt to quell the riots?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The answer to the last part of the question is that it is a complete misunderstanding. In fact, it is quite definitely wrong to state that the leader of the Mohammedan population, namely, the Grand Mufti, is paid by the British Government. I will contradict that quite clearly and definitely here and now, as it might lead to serious trouble throughout the Mohammedan world if it were thought that the head of any religious community was being paid by the British Government. I have, no doubt, many views as to the various causes of unrest in the Near and Middle East, but it would be most improper, as His Majesty's Government have announced their intention of appointing an impartial Royal Commission to go into and examine this question and to hear evidence on oath, for me to attempt to give my views.