§ 32. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the advisability of taking action to prevent the ex-Mufti from continuing his anti-British activities by staying in Syria and organising outrages in Palestine?
Mr. M. MacDonaldHis Majesty's Government are in close touch with the French Government on this matter.
§ Mr. ManderIs there the slightest doubt that the ex-Mufti has been carrying on his propaganda for a long time encouraging outrages in Palestine? Can the Minister say nothing more than that he is in close touch with the French Government? Are they not going to do anything about it?
Mr. MacDonaldWe have made it perfectly clear from time to time what is our view of the activities carried on by the Mufti of Jerusalem, and we have not altered our opinion with regard to that matter.
§ Mr. ManderWhat is the good of the Government having an opinion unless they do something about it? Are they not prepared to bring pressure upon our friend and ally France to put an end to these activities of the ex-Mufti?
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherFor how many years have the Colonial Office been 464 in close touch with France on this subject? Have they received a direct refusal from the French Government to take any action in the matter?
Mr. MacDonaldOur information is that in recent times the surveillance over the activities of the Mufti of Jerusalem has been stricter than it was some time ago.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas it checked them?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman say that in no circumstances will the Government allow the Mufti to return to Palestine, where so many murders have been committed at his command?