HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 cc1444-5
17. Mr. David Adams

asked the Home Secretary whether, as the mandated territory of Palestine is, in fact, if not in law, equally with this country at war with our enemies, it is now intended to remove the restrictions imposed upon Palestinians resident in this country?

Sir J. Anderson

I regret that I am unable to exempt Palestinian subjects as such from the provisions of the Aliens Order; although, as I informed my hon. Friend on 24th July, I am prepared in special cases, on the recommendation of the police, to exempt an individual Palestinian from the provisions of the Aliens (Movement Restriction) Order.

Mr. Adams

Is it reasonable to continue this tyrannous attitude towards a population with whom we are continually working in harmony?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not know why my hon. Friend refers to these provisions as tyrannous. These people are not being treated as enemy aliens. They are being treated on exactly the same footing as the subjects of States allied with us in the prosecution of the war.

Sir Percy Harris

Do the Government regard people who live in mandated territories as aliens?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir, for the purposes of the Aliens Order these people are aliens. The conditions under which naturalisation can be obtained are quite different from those which are applicable in this country.

Mr. Sorensen

Does that apply to all mandated territories?