HC Deb 16 June 1937 vol 325 cc352-3
26. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any recurrence of terrorism in Palestine and, if so, of what nature; and what is the present position in this respect?

31. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the attempt on the life of Colonel Spicer; whether any arrests have been made; and whether any of the Arabs recently released from Acre gaol are suspected?

34. Colonel Nathan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is able to give any information as to the recent attempt on the life of Colonel R. G. B. Spicer, Inspector-General of Police in Palestine?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have received the following report from the High Commissioner for Palestine regarding an attempt, which was, I am happy to say, unsuccessful, to assassinate the British Inspector-General of Police on 13th June: Deliberate attempt to assassinate Spicer this morning failed. So far as can be ascertained at present three Arab assassins fired about eight shots at close quarters into the car in which Spicer was being driven from the Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, wounding the driver, Police Constable Milner, in the arm, but missing Spicer. Investigation is proceeding, I have also received a report that an unsuccessful attempt was made at Jenin on 18th May to assassinate a Palestinian sub-inspector of police. Apart from these two grave incidents, the High Commissioner reports a continuance of the improvement in the situation to which I referred in reply to questions on 24th May.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister quite satisfied that additional police protection is not now required?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes, Sir. Very considerable increases in the numbers of police under the command of Colonel Spicer have been authorised in Palestine in the last few months.

Colonel Wedgwood

The right hon. Gentleman will recall that not long ago the assistant inspector of police at Haifa was murdered after several attempts had been made to murder him, and may I ask, must Colonel Spicer also be sacrificed before the right hon. Gentleman will deport the Mufti or recall the High Commissioner?