HC Deb 29 October 1936 vol 316 cc13-4
24. Mr. DENMAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total of casualties among the Arabs, Jews and British, respectively, arising out of disorders in Palestine during this year; and the estimated population of Palestine?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The following is a summary of the casualties due to the disturbances in Palestine as reported up to the morning of 15th October:

Civilians.

Moslems: 955 including 187 deaths.

Jews: 388 including 80 deaths.

Christians: 65 including 10 deaths.

Navy, Army and Air Force.

British: 125 including 21 deaths.

Palestine Police and Trans-Jordan Frontier Force.

British: 47 including 7 deaths.

Palestinians: 49 Moslems including 8 deaths; 13 Christians (wounded); 9 Jews including one death.

As regards the second part of the question, the population of Palestine at 30th June, 1936, excluding numbers of His Majesty's Forces, was estimated to be about 1,335,000, made up as follows:

Moslems 848,000
Jews 370,000
Christians 106,000
Others 11,000

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

In view of that terrible loss of life, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to prevent any of those leaders who inspired the riots and caused that loss of life from securing any Government appointments from now onwards?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Obviously, that is a question which ought to be put on the Paper. It does not arise now.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether when he uses the word "Christians" it is to be understood to mean Christian Arabs? In the figures just given does the figure for "Christians" include Christian Arabs?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The figure Includes all Christians other than British resident in Palestine?

Mr. GALLACHER

Will it be made clear that the commission will be prepared to bring about a settlement which will include justice for those who—[Interruption.]