HC Deb 18 April 1939 vol 346 cc179-80
84. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Palestine?

85. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make with reference to the situation in Palestine, and the future policy of the Government concerning the national home for the Jews, arising out of the Balfour Declaration?

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

Further progress has been made during the past month towards the restoration of order in Palestine. As a result of firm and energetic action by the troops and police, the large armed bands have now been broken up. On 27th March, one of the chief gang leaders was killed by the troops, and on 12th April another leader, who had taken refuge across the Syrian border, surrendered to the French authorities. During this period considerable quantities of arms, ammunition and explosives have been seized or surrendered. Isolated acts of terrorism and sabotage continue. I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to future policy.

Mr. T. Williams

As the rebellion appears to be drawing to a close, and in view of the international situation, might it not be advisable for His Majesty's Government to defer for six months or 12 months any further step in the Palestine policy?

Mr. MacDonald

In answer to the first part of that question I should not like to add anything to the description of the situation given in my original answer. I think that that gave sufficient indication of the slackening of the pace, at any rate, of the rebellion. With regard to the second part, that is one of the matters which His Majesty's Government are bearing in mind.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the negotiations that have been going on recently in Cairo on the subject of Palestine?

Mr. MacDonald

There have been no negotiations going on, but that is another question. I understand that a question has been put down for to-morrow, and I will answer it then.

Mr. Leach

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the Government still adhere firmly to the Balfour Declaration?

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