§ 14. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that during the recent disturbances in Palestine not only were many towns and villages subjected to the payment of collective fines but villages were bombed from the air and individual houses were blown up with dynamite; how many houses were so dynamited and why was this practice resorted to; and how many casualties were caused by the bombing and dynamiting operations?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)I have ascertained that the allegation that villages were bombed from the air during the recent disorders in Palestine is quite untrue. As a punitive measure, 93 houses were demolished in accordance with the provisions of an emergency regulation made by the High Commissioner under the Palestine (Defence) Order in Council. No casualties were caused by any of these demolitions.
§ 18. Mr. CHATERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any, and what proportion, of the cost of the Jewish forces enrolled in connection with the Palestine disturbances is to be borne out of the Zionist organisation's funds?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIn connection with the recent disorders in Palestine special arrangements were made by the Palestine Government with the Jewish Agency for Palestine whereby the recurrent expenses of supernumerary constables enrolled for the closer defence of Jewish settlements and for additional policing of Tel Aviv were to be shared equally between the Government and the communities concerned. The whole of the capital cost, for example, uniforms, equipment, arms and ammunition, is being borne by the Palestine Government.