§ 36. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the dangerous development of Arab hostility which has occurred in the Zichron Yaagov district of Palestine; is he aware that such is a danger to life; and can he give an assurance that adequate steps will be taken for the protection of those concerned?
Mr. J. H. THOMASAs I have already stated, there is a possibility of further disorders in Palestine, and the garrison has been reinforced in the last few days. I am sure that the High Commissioner can be relied on to take all possible measures for protection of life and property.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman able to say whether this strife is being promoted by Italian and German emissaries?
Mr. THOMASIt would be very difficult to say who are responsible for causing strife and disorder of any kind. It would be unwise for me to indicate, unless I had absolute proof, the origin that is even assumed, and therefore I do not propose to do so, but I do desire to say to the House that, as far as the Government are concerned, whatever or whoever 370 may be responsible for these difficulties, the Government are determined to maintain law and order.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not important that the right hon. Gentleman should ascertain who are responsible for the present strife?
Mr. THOMASCertainly, and if it were possible always to bring home who were responsible it would be easier than relying upon gossip and malicious statements.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a debate on all these questions.
§ 37. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the fact that Arab members of the boy scouts movement in Palestine, wearing the uniform of that organisation, are being allowed to advocate openly violence against the Jewish community in the towns and villages of Palestine, and that Government officials connected with the education department of Palestine hold responsible positions in the boy scout organisations; and what steps he will take to prevent this boy scout movement being used in these illegal acts?
Mr. THOMASI am aware that there is a movement in Palestine for the promotion, for political purposes, of unauthorised juvenile associations. These, however, are entirely distinct from the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts Association, in which the director of education is the county commissioner for scouts in Palestine. The question of the control of unauthorised scout movements is one which has already been under the consideration of the High Commissioner, and I have no doubt that he will consult me if, in his opinion, the powers at present possessed by the police have proved inadequate to deal with subversive acts arising out of this movement.
§ Mr. HARDIEHas the right hon. Gentleman had from the Commissioner any information to form a basis of what is stated in the question as to the type of boy scout movement and the organisation behind, including the officials of what is called the education department?
Mr. THOMASWhile I have no definite information, I have no hesitation 371 in saying that it would be a profound mistake to associate this form of scout movement with the Baden-Powell scout movement. So far as I know, nothing would justify my saying that the boy scout movement, as we understand it in this country, could be associated with this movement.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREOn a point of Order. Is there anything in the rules and regulations of the House which can prevent Members making these unsupported allegations against a movement which has world-wide respect and admiration?
§ Mr. HARDIEFurther to that point of Order. I would point out that my question is not attacking what the hon. and gallant Member refers to, but is asking for information in regard to something else in the name of boy scouts. If the hon. and gallant Member will get a little more information about the subject he will not make those interruptions.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it in order for one hon. Member to make allegations against another hon. Member?