HC Deb 24 October 1945 vol 414 cc1987-8
11. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to the whereabouts of the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem; and if the ex-Mufti is to be treated as a traitor or a war criminal.

35. Squadron-Leader Segal

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what investigations he is making to ascertain the present whereabouts of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem; and whether His Majesty's Government still has any intention of bringing him to trial as a war criminal.

Mr. George Hall

The Mufti of Jerusalem is in the hands of the French authorities. As regards the second part of the Question, I have no statement to make at present.

Captain Gammans

Would the right hon. Gentleman say how he got into the hands of the French authorities and where he came from?

Mr. Hall

No, Sir; not without notice.

Squadron-Leader Segal

In view of the Colonial Secretary's investigation into the allegation that British troops were instructed to hold their fire against refugees who happened to be Jews, are we to understand that they will be instructed to hold their fire against war criminals who happen to be Moslems?

Mr. Hall

That is an entirely different question.

Miss Rathbone

In view of the fact that these activities are mostly carried on in Palestine, could not representations be made to the French to give up the ex-Mufti, so that he could be tried as a war criminal?

Mr. Hall

That is a question which should be put to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.