HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc364-6
9. Mr. George Porter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government and the Palestine Administration in regard to the boycott, which has been declared and is being implemented by the Governments of Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Transjordan against the Jewish community of Palestine.

42. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations His Majesty's Government, as the Mandatory for Palestine, have made to the Governments of Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the Lebanon, on the subject of the economic boycott by these Governments against the Jewish community of Palestine; and what replies have been received to such representations.

Mr. George Hall

I have been asked to answer this Question together with Question No. 42, addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

His Majesty's Government, as the Mandatory Government for Palestine, disapproves of any discriminatory measures instituted by foreign Governments adversely affecting the welfare of the Palestinian population irrespective of race or religion. His Majesty's Government will take whatever steps they consider appropriate, should the interests of the inhabitants of Palestine prove to be so affected. Steps have been taken to inform the Governments concerned of His Majesty's Government's views.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Are we to understand from that answer that His Majesty's Government have so far taken no steps whatsoever to counter this foreign activity against a community for which His Majesty's Government are responsible?

Mr. Hall

No, Sir. Steps have been taken to inform the Governments causing this difficulty of the views of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Janner

Failing the receipt of satisfactory replies from the Arab States concerned, will my right hon. Friend take some steps to counteract their action and, in particular, will he consider the question of stopping the import into Palestine of wheat and other cereals from the countries concerned and replacing them by wheat and cereals from the Dominions, which are selling these commodities at a much lower price?

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what are the circumstances of the boycott and whether in his opinion any evil results are, in fact, disclosed there from?

Mr. Hall

There is no doubt that there are evil results disclosed by the boycott. This is a matter which concerns not only my Department but the Foreign Office. There is very close consultation between myself and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and we shall certainly deal with this matter.