HC Deb 10 December 1947 vol 445 cc1008-12
Mr. Sydney Silverman

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State whether he has any statement to make about the recent disturbances in Aden; what is the number of lives lost; how much property has been burnt or otherwise destroyed and what measures are contemplated for restoring and maintaining public order and ensuring equal protection for all citizens irrespective of race or creed.

Mr. Rees-Williams

A partial Arab strike was observed in Men on 2nd December without incident in the morning, but in the evening of that day a large hostile demonstration approached the Jewish quarter in the part of Aden known as the Crater. The police succeeded generally in protecting the quarter for a time, but looting of Jewish shops ensued, which could not be wholly controlled in spite of the use of tear smoke and deliberate rifle fire. As the situation was deteriorating, the Governor called for military aid, and the Air Officer Commanding, who is the Fortress Commander, assumed control. One hundred Arabs had been arrested and the night passed quietly, but on the following day there was fresh fire-raising mob action in the Crater, and the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency in the Colony and authorised the Fortress Commander to enforce a curfew in the Crater. In spite of these measures extensive looting of Jewish stores and shops occurred and many Jewish houses were burned. About 900 Jews living in the suburb of Sheikh Othman were evacuated to the nearby Jewish migration camp which was under military protection, but 14 Jews who remained behind were killed by rioters.

H.M.S. "Contest" and H.M.S. "Cockade" and H.M.S. "Challenger," being at the time at Aden, landed detachments of naval ratings which had a valuable effect, and on the morning of 5th December two companies of the North Staffordshire Regiment reached Aden by air from Egypt.

On 6th December the Governor reported that the situation had become generally calmer although sporadic fire-raising attempts had still been made. He stated the known casualties on that date to be 34 Arabs, two Indians and 75 Jews killed and some hundreds of both Jewish and Arab communities wounded. His Majesty's Government and the Government of Aden deeply deplore this loss of life. I have not yet received a detailed statement of the property burnt or otherwise destroyed, and the figures of casualties that I have given are the latest available.

On 8th December the Governor reported the situation since Saturday last to be generally calm, and all necessary measures are being taken to maintain order and to ensure protection for all communities.

Mr. Silverman

Will my hon. Friend inquire to see whether the reported number of 140 Jews killed is correct; whether it is correct that two synagogues were burnt to the ground; whether it is correct that the only two Jewish schools were burned to the ground, and whether anything will be done to afford reasonable compensation as well as security in the future.

Mr. Rees-Williams

As I have already stated, I am awaiting a detailed statement of the property burned or otherwise destroyed and until then there is nothing I can add.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Would the Under-Secretary tell us whether the personnel of the police force in Aden is recruited from this country and how many casualties they have suffered?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Mr. Silverman

Could my hon. Friend tell the House whether this is British protected territory and whether responsibility for maintaining law and order remains with His Majesty's Government when the country remains British protected territory?

Mr. Rees-Williams

This territory is not actually British protected territory but is a British colony. The British protected territory is to the north of this particular part in which this incident occurred.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that those responsible did not do their duty to the full in very difficult circumstances?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am quite sure that they fully carried out their duty and we are very grateful to them for acting in this way in very difficult circumstances.

Dr. Segal

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is no Army or R.A.F. unit stationed in the Crater and that most of them are in Khormaksar or Steamer Point about eight or nine miles away from this thickly populated area, and could he not see his way to make arrangements for permanent Army or R.A.F. units to be stationed inside this area to prevent a recurrence of such outrages?

Mr. Rees-Williams

The question of the location of units is a matter for the officer commanding the garrison and I would not interfere with his discretion in this matter.

Mr. Silverman

In view of the supplementary question asked by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Bristol (Mr. Stanley) a moment ago will my hon. Friend bear in mind that no criticism whatever was implied in my Question of the action of the authorities on the spot who appeared to have acted with commendable speed and authority as soon as they realised what was going on? My question was directed to the future not to the past.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am glad to accept my hon. Friend's assurance on that point.