HC Deb 06 July 1938 vol 338 cc366-8
33. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information regarding the kidnapping of three Jewish youths from a field at Givath Ada, near Nichron Jacob, by armed Arab terrorists; whether he is aware that the ages of these youths are 13, 18, and 19 years, respectively; and whether he will consider allowing the Jewish workers, especially in border areas, to arm themselves for the purpose of defending their lives and those under their charge?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I have no detailed information regarding this case, but I am asking the High Commissioner for a report. As regards the last part of the question, there are over 1,000 Jews already armed as supernumerary police for protection of Jewish settlements and crops. I am asking the High Commissioner whether he considers that the number of these supernumerary police should be increased.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that the very best defence for the Jews would be to give justice to the Arabs?

34. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the reason for the arrest of Shlomo Ben Joseph, of Rosh Pinah, Palestine, and his two companions; whether any person was killed or injured by their action; the age of Ben Joseph; whether any distinction is made between those who are guilty of murder or attempted murder and individuals who are defending themselves by force of arms; whether these incidents are brought about by the inability of the police and Army in Palestine to defend the Jewish community against murderous attacks; the reason for the refusal to postpone the death sentence in order that the mother of Shlomo Ben Joseph might journey from Poland to Palestine in order to bid farewell to her son; the amount of rioting which took place as a result of the hanging of this boy; and how many were injured and arrested, respectively?

Mr. MacDonald

I apologise for the inevitable length of the reply. The charge was one of shooting at a bus and being found in possession of arms and bombs. There were no deaths; I am not aware whether there were any persons injured. The age of Shlomo Ben Joseph was 23. With regard to the fourth part of the question, the relevant regulation allows the court a certain discretion in the assessment of penalties, and without doubt a distinction would be made in the case envisaged by the hon. Member. I cannot accept the suggestion in the fifth part of the question. I have no information regarding the request to postpone the death sentence. As regards the seventh and eighth parts of the question, there were Jewish demonstrations before or after the execution in four centres, which resulted in 13 known cases of injury and 34 arrests. It is possible that some of the acts of violence of the last two days have been due in part to feelings aroused by this execution. The Jews in Palestine have shown admirable restraint throughout these difficult times, and the vast majority of them continue to show that restraint under the influence of their leaders. It is regrettable that in some cases it should have broken down, thus increasing the difficulties of the situation with which the authorities are contending.

Mr. McGovern

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this further, and find out whether it is the case that the mother of this boy made representations to be allowed to see him before he was executed and the High Commissioner turned down her application? Does he not think it perfectly outrageous that the boy should be murdered when no death and no injuries occurred, and that the mother should not be allowed to see him?

Colonel Wedgwood

In connection with the answer to the fifth part of the question, "whether these incidents are brought about by the inability of the police and army in Palestine to defend the Jewish community against murderous attacks," ought not that to be taken into consideration?

Mr. MacDonald

I have no doubt that a great many things were taken into consideration. With regard to the other question that I was asked, I will ask for information. In the absence of information, I could not possibly make any comment on the matter; and certainly I could not be associated with the comment the hon. Member has made on it.

Mr. McGovern

I do not expect you to; but it is a damnable thing.