§ 39. Mr. Silvermanasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied with the policy now being pursued by the Palestine Administration and with its personnel; and whether he will consider drastic changes in both, with a view to pursuing the 640 policy best calculated to serve Allied interests, in view of the approach of warlike action to the Near East?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanMy Noble Friend is fully satisfied that the Palestine Government are faithfully carrying out the policy approved by Parliament. He has entire confidence in the High Commissioner and the members of the Administration.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the efforts of some people in Palestine to make adequate contributions to Allied interests in the war have been consistently and repeatedly repressed by the Palestinian Administration, whose whole policy seems to many people to be completely out of harmony with what the situation requires?
§ Mr. MacmillanMy hon. Friend knows that this is a very important and difficult question, but I am sure that he would not expect my Noble Friend or myself to shelter behind the Administration in matters which are the responsibility of the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. SilvermanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take an early opportunity of raising the question again.