§ 32. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can make a statement about the extent to which military weapons are held by unauthorised persons in Palestine; and the steps he is taking to secure their surrender.
§ Mr. George HallI regret to say that there is a large number of unauthorised persons in possession of arms in Palestine. I do not think that it would be in the interests of public security in Palestine to reply to the last part of the Question.
§ Mr. LipsonCan my right hon. Friend give us an assurance that he is taking all possible steps to obtain possession of these arms so as to prevent any unnecessary bloodshed in the future, and can he say whether his efforts up to now have met with any reasonable success?
§ Mr. HallThis is a very difficult and delicate question with which the Government of Palestine are faced, but I am sure that they are taking what steps they can to obtain surrender of these arms.
§ Mr. StokesWill my right hon. Friend now say whether a direct request has been made to both sides to lay down and hand over their arms?
§ Mr. HallI could not give a categorical reply now, but I will look into the matter and let my hon. Friend know.
§ Mr. SorensenCould the Minister say how these arms are acquired?
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is true that some of the arms were acquired at a time when disturbances in Palestine were very great and when the British authorities, who were unable to protect the Jewish community there, granted and themselves provided the Jewish settlements with arms for their own self-protection?