HC Deb 09 February 1938 vol 331 cc1033-4
61. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make with reference to the resolution on Palestine adopted by the Board of Deputies of British Jews on 16th January, and forwarded to him, expressing the desire for a solution of the Palestine question on the basis of a Jewish dominion within the British Commonwealth of Nations?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Prime Minister has referred this resolution to me, and a copy was also sent to me direct by the Board of Deputies. The hon. Member will hardly expect me to deal in a reply to his question with the various issues involved in the proposal which the resolution contains. The declared policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to Palestine, has been communicated to the House in recent White Papers, and to these I have nothing to add.

Mr. Mander

Will this important and gratifying resolution be brought to the attention of the League Council and the Mandates Commission?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am quite sure it will, but whether they will regard it with the same enthusiasm as the hon. Gentleman is another matter.

Mr. Crossley

To what extent do the Board of Deputies represent British Jewry?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not know.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the Minister aware that this proposal of the Board of Deputies represents a complete desertion and betrayal of Jews in Germany and the rest of Europe?

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