HC Deb 25 October 1946 vol 428 cc155-6
Viscount Hinchingbrooke (By Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on the sharp increase in terrorist activities in Palestine in the last few days; and what further precautionary measures are contemplated to safeguard the lives of British troops and police.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)

Yes, Sir. During the last few days there has been an intensification of minor terrorist activities in Palestine, noticeably in the mining of roads and the planting of explosives in public places. Attacks on individual soldiers and policemen have occurred, and during the last month casualties to troops and police have amounted to five killed and 12 injured, not counting casualties in last night's outrage, as to which details have not yet been received.

I should like to express the abhorrence which I am confident the House feels at these abominable and cold-blooded outrages, and our keen realisation of the trials and dangers which beset troops, police, administration, and indeed all concerned with the maintenance of law and order in Palestine. I am sure that our condemnation of these acts is shared by large sections of the Jewish population there. These outrages, which bring sorrow and anxiety to so many homes, come at a time when every effort is being made to bring about a release of tension in Palestine, and to discover a solution of the long-term problem of the future of the Holy Land. Their effect can only be to postpone the day when a just and lasting settlement can be reached.

The House will not expect me to enter into detail as to the precautions being taken and the measures contemplated for the future. I can however give an assurance that, quite apart from military operations, all possible steps are being and will be taken.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that measures like the repeated reimposition and lifting of the curfew, and the comparatively light sentences now being passed—for example, one year for a man closely connected with the illegal storing of arms—are adequate, having regard to the generally inflamed state of the country?

Mr. Creech Jones

I want to assure the House that both the civil and the military authorities are very alive to the complexity of the problem and have it constantly under review. They are determined, and are taking all precautions to meet so difficult a situation.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

In connection with this new series of outrages has the Minister received any offer of co-operation from the Jewish Agency, either here or in Palestine?

Mr. Creech Jones

I want to make it clear that this is the ebb and flow of outrage. It is not, as it were, a new spurt in outrages. It is a continuous policy on the part of a group of terrorists. We have recently had discussions with the Jewish Agency, and I think there is a disposition to help towards the restoration of order. I hope that these discussions which we have had will be productive of good results.

Mr. Driberg

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Foreign Office to see that the facts of this situation are made widely known in New York, where there is intensive propaganda, not merely on behalf of the Zionists but actually on behalf of the terrorists?

Mr. Creech Jones

We are alive to that also, and that will be, done.