HC Deb 24 March 1937 vol 321 cc2882-3
37. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, apart from the Government communiqué issued in Palestine by the Officer Administering the Government, on 10th February, which records a conversation between the High Commissioner and the Mufti of Jerusalem and two other members of the Arab supreme committee, the Mufti or any other member of the Arab supreme committee has publicly condemned the recent murders and crimes of violence which are taking place in Palestine?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have been informed that the Arab Higher Committee have recently issued a statement containing an appeal to avoid acts of violence.

Mr. Williams

Have there been any further crimes of violence or murders since the publication of this appeal?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am afraid so.

Mr. Crossley

Has my right hon. Friend any reason to suppose that the Arab Higher Committee do not wholly disapprove of the murders that are now being committed?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

As I said in the House last week, I understand that the Higher Committee have expressed disapproval of the outrages.

49. Captain Strickland

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the Government of Palestine recently requested both the Arab Supreme Council and the Jewish General Council to publish an appeal for the restoration of order in Palestine, he will say what was the response from these two bodies, respectively?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have no information as to any recent request by the Government of Palestine to the Arab Supreme Council and the Jewish General Council to publish an appeal for the restoration of order. I understand, however, that the Arab Higher Committee have, during the last few days, issued a statement which includes an appeal to avoid acts of violence.

Captain Strickland

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Jewish Council issued such an appeal several weeks ago?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes, Sir.