§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make regarding the situation in Palestine?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I have received a telegram from the High Commissioner. The situation throughout the country is generally quiet. There is a Jewish general strike in all towns and no Jewish traffic is running. In Jerusalem 1627 this morning there has been an orderly demonstration in Zionist Square. Small fires were started by time bombs placed in suit cases in four rooms of the Department of Migration in Jerusalem last night. In three rooms the fire did no damage beyond charring the furniture; in the fourth room some records were destroyed which will result in inconvenience. A suit case containing gelignite was also found un-exploded. The Department is normally at work this morning. At Tel Aviv, after the broadcast of the White Paper last night, a crowd collected and went to a District Office where they forced an entry into building and set fire to furniture and equipment in the Land Registry Department and also burnt a number of documents of no great value. Doors and windows of buildings were also damaged. A curfew was imposed at midnight but lifted at 4 a.m. to-day.
§ Miss WilkinsonWhat is it like when it is not quiet?
§ Sir J. LambLike you.