HC Deb 04 March 1942 vol 378 cc640-1
40. Mr. Silverman

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why the message recently sent by Dr. Weizmann to a women's conference in Palestine was banned by the Palestine censorship department; and whether he will institute a special inquiry into the activities of this department?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

Dr. Weizmann's message was read at an A.T.S. recruiting meeting in Palestine on 26th January, and appeared in the "Palestine Post" on the following day. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Silverman

Are we to understand from that answer that this message was not at any time, or in any circumstances, forbidden by the Censorship Department from being published?

Mr. Macmillan

It was given at a meeting one afternoon and published in the "Palestine Post," which is the paper managed by the Agency, the next morning.

Mr. Lipson

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the whole of the message was published?

Mr. Macmillan

That is our information.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a great section of the Palestinian Press this message was suppressed at the instance of the Palestine Government Censor?

Mr. Macmillan

I have given the information which was given to me.

Mr. Creech Jones

It is incorrect.

Mr. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman seek further information?

Mr. Macmillan

indicated assent.