HC Deb 11 July 1938 vol 338 cc918-9
6 Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the renewed outbreak of murder and violence in Palestine, special measures will be taken or have already been enforced to protect life and restore order and the authority of government?

61. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make concerning the recent series of outrages reported from Palestine; and what action is being taken?

Mr. M. MacDonald

In my reply on 8th July to the right hon. Member for Limehouse (Mr. Attlee), I referred to the recent outbreaks of violence in Palestine and to the despatch of reinforcements to assist the authorities in dealing with the situation. My latest message from the High Commissioner reports further incidents in Haifa and Jerusalem. In Jaffa and Tel Aviv no further incidents are reported, but tension persists and curfew is in force in all four cities and the boundary area. His Majesty's Ship "Repulse" relieved His Majesty's Ship "Emerald" at Haifa on 8th July. The First Battalion Irish Guards and the First Battalion Essex Regiment are expected to reach Palestine from Egypt to-day and to-morrow, respectively. The iith Hussars, an armoured-car regiment, will follow at an early date. I am in consultation with the High Commissioner on the question of increasing the strength of the police force.

Mr. Donner

Has my right hon. Friend considered the desirability of having a house-to-house search for the purpose of confiscating all firearms in this territory?

Mr. MacDonald

I am afraid that that would require very much larger military forces than there are in Palestine at the present time. I am satisfied that the authorities in Palestine are doing everything feasible to restore law and order in that country.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider implementing the Allenby Report?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider bringing the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has just made to the notice of the French Government with a view to their terminating the asylum which they grant to the Grand Mufti, and which enables him to direct the present outbreak of terrorism in Palestine?