HC Deb 22 January 1947 vol 432 cc196-8
10. Brigadier Mackeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied that the military authorities in Palestine have, during the last 12 months, had all the powers they required in order to protect the lives of British subjects from terrorist activities.

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir. Responsibility for the preservation of law and order in Palestine rests with the High Commissioner' as head of the Civil Government. In this he has the support of the military authorities on whom he can call for any assistance required. Close and effective cooperation has at all time been maintained between the civil and military authorities with a view to ensuring that everything possible is done to safeguard life and property in Palestine.

16. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British subjects were murdered in Palestine in 1946; and how many of the culprits have been convicted.

Mr. Creech Jones

During 1946 the total number of British subjects murdered in Palestine was 73. Of these, 15 were members of the Palestine Police, 45 members of His Majesty's Forces and 13 were civilians. No culprits have been convicted.

Mr. Pickthorn

Does the right hon. Gentleman really say that no culprits have been convicted?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not have been possible to convict culprits if more cooperation had been received from the' Jewish community in Palestine?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir, that is the position. We have had difficulty in collecting exact information in regard to these most tragic incidents.

32. Mr. Derek Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British subjects have been killed, wounded, or subjected to physical assault, by Jewish terrorists in Palestine since 1st August, 1945.

Mr. Creech Jones

I am asking the High Commissioner for Palestine for the exact figures required, and I shall communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman also ask the High Commissioner for details of the convictions secured in respect of assaults and woundings, so that the House may know whether a better standard has been achieved in regard to them than in regard to the murders, for which no convictions have yet been secured?

Mr. Creech Jones

I will see that the House is given as much information as possible about the wounding incidents.