HC Deb 16 October 1946 vol 427 cc875-6
10. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies who are the persons referred to as "NWBW" and "WLSLY" in telegram No. 2 on page four of Command Paper No. 6873.

Mr. Creech Jones

I am not in a position to state with certainty the identity of these persons. To make public the various speculations on the subject might be unfair to individuals in fact not concerned, and I am not prepared to do so.

Mr. Stokes

As it has already been made perfectly clear by the predecessor of my right hon. Friend that the first person mentioned in the telegram is Dr. Weizmann, surely it is possible to tell us who the other two are?

Mr. Creech Jones

I am quite aware that my predecessor as Secretary of State did make that statement, but I fear I personally have nothing to add to what I have already said.

11. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his legal advisers have considered criminal proceedings against any or all of the persons mentioned or indicated by the telegrams printed in the White Paper on the Statement of Information relating to Acts of Violence in Palestine, Command Paper No. 6873; and what legal action has been taken.

Mr. Creech Jones

The question whether criminal proceedings should be taken is a matter for the Palestine authorities. I understand that it has been considered but that it is not proposed, on grounds of public interest, to take any action in that direction at the present time.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that less dreadful happenings than this occurred due to action by the Arabs, and that severe measures have been taken; and as all this can be laid at the door of the Jewish Agency is not it about time that Agency was wound up?

Mr. Pickthorn

When the Secretary of State says he understands that this has been considered by the local government does he mean to tell us that the local government have so informed him?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes.

Mr. Scollan

Could the Minister tell us if the letters "NWBW" mean "Not worth bothering with"?