§ 37. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Greek ship "Aghios Nicoloros," carrying refugees to Palestine, was recently fired on by one of His Majesty's ships, whereby two refugees were wounded and one killed; and who authorised the firing and this use of the Navy?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe allegation contained in the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's question is without foundation.
§ Colonel WedgwoodMay I ask whether it is the fact that no such incident has taken place, seeing that I have this telegram from America:
American opinion outraged by shooting of refugees to Palestine"?
§ Colonel LlewellinWe have, of course, made careful inquiry from the Mediterranean Fleet, and there is no foundation for any allegation that any of His Majesty's ships fired on this Greek ship or any other.
§ Colonel WedgwoodDoes His Majesty's Navy include the motor boats as well?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt includes all ships of the Royal Navy.
§ 42. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement with reference to the landing of 182 illegal immigrants 1863 from the "Panagai Conestria"; what were. the acts of the passengers which frustrated the Government's attempts to compel this vessel to leave Haifa; and to what extent were these acts assisted by Jews on shore?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)The High Commissioner reports that, on being informed that they were to put to sea, the passengers of the "Panagia Conestria" became frenzied and hysterical, throwing into the sea the food which had been provided for them. In all the circumstances it was not considered possible for the ship to leave harbour. No active assistance was rendered by Jews on shore.