HC Deb 29 June 1938 vol 337 cc1893-4
39. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement as to the position in Palestine generally and as to the progress of measures for the suppression of terrorism in that country?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

With regard to the general question and the measures being taken to suppress terrorism, I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in the course of the Debate on 14th June.

Mr. Adams

Can the House be informed what progress is being made in the suppression of this terrorism?

Mr. MacDonald

I made a very careful statement as to the progress in the Debate on 14th June, and the situation has not altered since then. That still represents an accurate picture of the measures that are being taken.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the real terrorism on the part of the Government?

41. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has with regard to terrorist attacks in the town and neighbourhood of Safad, in Galilee, during the last four months, and the withdrawal of military from the town?

Mr. MacDonald

As the reply is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

During the last four months shots have been fired at the Jewish quarter at Safad on four occasions, and one Jew was shot and slightly wounded by Arabs. In the same period a military billet overlooking the town has been sniped at four times. In the neighbourhood of the town a Government stone crusher was maliciously burned and a party of Jewish labourers was ambushed, without casualties, in May, while in June there was another ambush of Jewish labourers, one of whom was shot dead. A company of troops was stationed at Safad in March. On 20th May it was reduced in connection with the operations for the occupation of certain Arab villages in northern Palestine. Between 22nd May and 3rd June the remaining military strength was transferred to a more favourable tactical position overlooking the town, from which a night patrol of 20 men was provided for duty in the town. On 4th June the contingent was again brought up to company strength. Since 18th June, when the contingent was reduced to the strength of a platoon, a nightly reserve force of 15 men has been on duty in Safad town. The situation is engaging the constant attention of the High Commissioner and the General Officer Commanding, and it has recently been decided that a battalion which is intended for the protection of the northern frontier shall be based on Safad.

63. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will explain why a special public funeral was granted for the two bandits who were killed in an engagement on the northern frontier of Palestine; and further, why this funeral was headed by the Mayor of Safad, attended by Arab scouts, schoolchildren, and large numbers of men and women, seeing that this amounted to a glorification of terrorism?

Mr. MacDonald

I have received no report on this incident, but I will make inquiries.

Mr. Williams

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that the statement contained in the question is correct, will he deprecate a repetition of this kind of thing in view of the murders and terrorism which have been going on?

Mr. MacDonald

I think I had better find out exactly what has happened before I commit myself.

Mr. Macquisten

Is the Minister aware that in Chicago and New York gangsters are given fine funerals?

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