HC Deb 29 June 1938 vol 337 cc1894-5
40. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the date when the Grand Mufti took office in Palestine; the amount of salary he has drawn since then up to the time of his dismissal; whether any funds of the Grand Mufti have been confiscated; and whether any negotiations have taken place with the French Government regarding propaganda and the terrorist activities of the Grand Mufti?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Haj Amin Husseini was appointed Mufti of Jerusalem in 1921 and was elected President of the Supreme Moslem Council in the following year. In the latter capacity he exercised certain judicial functions in respect of which he received a salary from public funds of £600 a year. The Wakf funds over which the Mufti exercised control in his capacity as Chairman of the Wakf Committee have been temporarily transferred to the control of a Commission appointed by the High Commissioner. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand that Haj Amin is still being kept under surveillance by the French authorities in the Lebanon. Close contact has been and is being maintained with the French Government regarding the alleged political activities on his part to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. McGovern

Is not the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Grand Mufti is not directing now the terrorist activities in that quarter; is he aware that statements are being made by very responsible persons that there is a continual source of activity from this quarter, and will he consider making representations to end this horrible terrorism in Palestine?

Mr. MacDonald

I have nothing to add to the answer which I have given. As I have said, I am keeping in touch with the French Government about the alleged activities of the Mufti.

Mr. McGovern

Is the Minister himself aware—has he any information—that such activity is going on?

Mr. MacDonald

We have certain information, but such information as we have we have passed on to the French authorities.

Mr. Lipson

Is the action that has been taken having the necessary effect, and does not my right hon. Friend think it necessary to make strong representations?

Mr. MacDonald

We are keeping in touch, and I cannot add to what I have already said.