§ 30. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Arab tracked and identified as the murderer of Gottfried of Resh Pinah was acquitted at the Safed court on the 17th instant; whether he will state who were the judges; and what further steps are to be taken to put an end to the terrorism in Palestine which prevents convictions being obtained by the police?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI have no official information regarding this case, but I will ask the High Commissioner for a report. As regards the last part of the question, I would ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to await my reply to the two following questions.
§ Colonel WedgwoodWill the right hon. Gentleman communicate the further information, as he has given that answer so often, and I have never got the further information?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreCertainly, when it arrives.
31 and 32. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, in view of the fact that since his last statement to the House there have been perpetrated in Palestine additional murders and other acts of violence, he has any statement to make as to the present state of affairs in that country;
(2) whether, in view of the continued insecurity to life and property in Palestine, he is satisfied that adequate police and military protection is made available 1738 for the citizens of that country and for the detection of the authors of recurring crimes?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreConsidering the difficulties of securing life and property in the circumstances obtaining in Palestine, it is, I think, a matter for some satisfaction that, thanks to the activities of the police in the past four weeks, the number of murders and other acts of violence has shown a marked decrease over the number for the corresponding period immediately preceding. I am satisfied that the Palestine administration is taking active measures to deal with the situation.
Mr. AdamsIn view of the admission which the Minister makes, is he satisfied that the administration is not, as it is alleged to be, extremely slack at present?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI am quite satisfied of it. I know the strain that has been on the police since the outrages began just over a year ago. The strain on the police and especially on the British personnel has been tremendous, but they are still carrying on their work most gallantly.
§ Sir P. HarrisHas the police force been strengthened? Has there been any increase in numbers during the past year?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes; British, Jewish and Arab police have been increased considerably.
§ Colonel WedgwoodDoes not the fact that a police official was shot in Haifa only last week, after being threatened twice, show that the Arab police are in a state of complete collapse owing to this terrorism?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThey are under a great strain as I say, but they are not in a state of complete collapse. I answered very fully yesterday a question on the particular case referred to by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman. I pointed out that the Arab local head of the Criminal Investigation Department who was on the track of certain terrorists had unfortunately been shot, and that the murderers were now on the run. That is a fact which shows the great vigilance and loyalty of the Arab police in trying to deal with this murder campaign.
§ Colonel WedgwoodIs not this gangsterism too strong for the police; and have the gangs not terrorised the police in Palestine?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNot at all. I agree that gangsterism is widespread, and it is a very difficult country, as the right hon. and gallant Gentleman knows. When there is a widespread and serious situation such as exists at present, the police are under terrible pressure, but I can say that they have been most loyal, most gallant and most energetic.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonHas not the time come when this terrorism should cease?