HC Deb 18 May 1936 vol 312 cc837-8
41. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to inform the Arab leaders in Palestine that His Majesty's Government will not be diverted from carrying out the mandate by violence or threats of violence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The High Commissioner has made the attitude of His Majesty's Government quite clear to the Arab leaders in Palestine. I wish to take this opportunity to state that His Majesty's Government have been giving earnest consideration to the situation in Palestine resulting from the recent disturbances and the continuing state of unrest. The first necessity is the reestablishment of civil order, and the High Commissioner is taking all necessary steps to this end. Subject to this, His Majesty's Government have decided that the suggested Arab deputation to London would no longer meet the conditions which have arisen, and that instead it is desirable that an inquiry on the spot should be undertaken. They have, therefore, decided, after order is restored, to advise His Majesty to appoint a Royal Commission which, without bringing into question the terms of the mandate will investigate causes of unrest and alleged grievances either of Arabs or of Jews.

Mr. LUNN

Does that answer mean that an Arab delegation is not now possible?

Mr. THOMAS

No. It means that it is not looked upon as desirable for them to send a delegation. The first condition that His Majesty's Government have laid down before there can be any Commission is that law and order must be restored.

Earl WINTERTON

Am I to understand my right hon. Friend to mean, when he says that they will not be at liberty to consider the terms of the Mandate, that it will not be open to the Royal Commission to consider the extent to which the Mandate is or is not being carried out?

Mr. THOMAS

The Royal Commission will be in a position to say whether the Mandate is being fairly interpreted, but it is not open to the Royal Commission to question the Mandate itself.

Mr. ATTLEE

Was the decision to appoint a Royal Commission taken after consulting the leaders of both communities, and, if so, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the leaders of both communities wished this Commission to be set up?

Mr. THOMAS

No, Sir; the decision was taken by the Government without consultation with the leaders of either community.