§ 21. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position with regard to partition in Palestine, in view of the evidence given by Sir John Shuckburgh, Permanent Under-Secretary for the Colonies, to the Mandates Corn-mission in Geneva, to the effect that the matter is contingent upon the findings of the Technical Commission?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on the subject in the course of the Debate on 14th June.
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand that it would not be true to say that the question of partition is in any way dependent on the findings of this Technical Commission?
Mr. MacDonaldThe commission are inquiring into the question of an equitable and practicable scheme, and, naturally, a certain amount must depend on the findings of the commission.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not the case that in principle partition is the definite policy of the Government now?
Mr. MacDonaldYes, Sir; I withdraw nothing of the statements on that point which have been made from time to time in this House and elsewhere.
§ 25. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is anticipated that the Palestine Partition Committee will be able to submit its report; and whether it will be possible to submit any final proposal for the settlement of the Palestine question to the Mandates Commission at Geneva during the current year?
Mr. MacDonaldIt is not yet possible to foresee when the Partition Commission will be able to submit their report, or when it will be possible for His Majesty's Government to reach a decision, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay.