§ 42. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the continuing Arab propaganda alleging ruthless and lawless behaviour of troops and police in Palestine and cruelty and misconduct; what steps he has taken to counteract this propaganda and, in particular, whether he will have these charges investigated with a view to publishing the result of such investigations?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I consider that such propaganda is sufficiently discredited by its own obvious falsity and extravagance, and I do not propose to add to the many burdens of the Palestine Administration that of investigating each reckless and unsupported charge against British forces who are endeavouring to combat a campaign of murder and outrage.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that various publications emanate from the Arab centre in London, and will he pay particular attention to these publications, or at least offer impartially to investigate the allegations contained in their particular organs?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI do not think that is necessary. The statements emanate from the Arab centre in London, and I think that they are all lies.
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that at one time Palestine was quite quietly governed with only a few British police?