§ Mr. Pickthorn(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to publish as a White Paper the exchange of letters 1558 known as the McMahon-Hussein correspondence between Sir Henry McMahon and the Sheriff Hussein of Mecca in the year 1915?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. A White Paper containing the correspondence is being prepared and will be issued as soon as possible. Meanwhile, for the convenience of business, copies of the letters are being placed at the disposal of the delegates to the Palestine Conference, whose proceedings are confidential.
§ Mr. Garro JonesOn a point of Order. May I ask whether this question has been admitted under the Rules as to urgent questions of public importance?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have seen the question, and I have admitted it.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWas that question admitted by you, Sir, to be asked at the end of Questions to-day?
§ Mr. SpeakerI allowed it because it is a matter of public importance.
§ Mr. CocksWhy is it that when successive British Governments have always refused to publish this correspondence on the grounds of national interest, it is in the national interest that it should be published now?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot go into the reasons why successive Governments have not thought it right to publish it before, but, in regard to the last part of the question, the publication was asked for by the Arab delegates, and it was thought desirable that it should be published in answer to their request. As they were going to have that information, it was thought desirable that the House should have it also.
§ Mr. De ChairWill the Prime Minister have a map included in the White Paper showing the areas involved in the correspondence?
§ The Prime MinisterI will consult my right hon. Friend about that.