HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 cc746-7
27. Mr. Leach

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has anything to report about conditions in Palestine; whether he has fully realised the universal Jewish adherence to the Allied cause; and whether he is relaxing the severe restrictions on Jewish immigration in order to foster good will?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The steady improvement in the internal situation in Palestine has been fully maintained. I am fully aware of the whole-hearted support which is being given by Jews throughout the world to the Allied cause, one of the purposes of which is the freeing of the Jews from their cruel persecutors in Central Europe. As regards the third part of the Question, His Majesty's Government's policy allows for a very considerable immigration of Jews into Palestine over the next few years, and there is no question of departing from that policy.

Mr. Leach

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the term "very considerable degree of immigration," which I understood him to use, is not accepted on this side of the House, and will he consult with his right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, who has a wiser view of this matter than he has?

Mr. MacDonald

The legal quota allowed something over 10,000 Jews to settle in Palestine in six months, which I think is a very considerable figure of immigration.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that there will be no restrictions on the sale of land to Jews?

Mr. MacDonald

That is another question.