HC Deb 02 March 1938 vol 332 cc1088-9
29. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement about the election of a new Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Right Reverend Archbishop Timotheos Themelis was elected as Patriarch in 1935, but it was found necessary to delay confirmation of his election pending the conclusion of the negotiations with regard to certain amendments of the Fundamental Law of the Patriarchate which the High Commissioner regarded as essential in the public interest, including the preservation of peace and order. These negotiations are nearing completion, and I hope I shall be in a position shortly to advise His Majesty to issue the Berat confirming the election.

Mr. Hannah

I do hope that it will come off.