§ 66 and 68. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that Fawzi Kawukji has established field headquarters in Palestine and that he is in possession of large quantities of arms which have been brought from Syria; and if he will make a statement on the position, including the measures he proposes to take or permit the proposed victims of this man to take, to protect them against these forces;
(2) whether he is aware that a self-styled Arab Liberation Force, in conjunction with the Arab Higher Command, have declared martial law in the Nablus area of Palestine; and what steps he is taking in the matter.
§ 69. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Palestine Government to deal with the most recent incursion 1225 of Fawzi Bey and his followers into Palestine, and the establishment on Palestine territory of purported military headquarters and civil administrative organs of an illegal character.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe High Commissioner has informed me of a local rumour that Fawzi Kawukji recently arrived in Palestine and is in the Samaria district. I have received no other information on this subject and am awaiting further reports.
The developments referred to by my hon. Friend in the Nablus area appear to be a measure adopted by the leaders of Arab irregular forces to control their adherents and represent no attempt to replace or curtail the authority of the Mandatory Power in this area. The District Commission of the Samaria district continues to reside in Nablus and his headquarters and sub-district offices are functioning normally. Palestinian members of the Police Force continue to perform their normal duties throughout the district under the supervision and control of British police officers. The District Commissioner is in a position to call for the assistance of such military forces as he may require to assert the authority of the civil power. The security forces in Palestine will continue to protect members of either community who may be threatened with attack.
§ Mr. JannerHas my hon. Friend seen very full reports that have been given in a large number of papers and details of interviews which have been held with this bandit; that he is setting up his headquarters in precisely the same place as he had his headquarters before when he defied authority; and will my hon. Friend take any steps at all to prevent this or allow the people there to defend themselves?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI have no information other than I have given, and no confirmation of these rumours by the High Commissioner.
§ Mr. WarbeyCan my hon. Friend say whether this is not the ninth or tenth act of aggression committed by Arab forces, and whether the Government proposes to report this continued breach of the peace to the Security Council with a view to action to preserve international peace and security?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAs I have stated already, I have had no evidence that these incidents took place, and therefore I cannot say that it is an act of aggression or otherwise.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan my hon. Friend say that he has no information and no evidence whatever about the invasion of Palestine by armed Arabs for the past six or 12 months.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI was replying to the question asked. I have had no information about this particular man and the alleged invasion by him and his forces.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes my hon. Friend propose to report to the Security Council any of the breaches of the peace of which he has knowledge?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThat is another question.
§ Mr. JannerArising out of the reply to my second Question, would my hon. Friend say whether any application was made to the authorities in Palestine at all about the imposition of martial law? By what right has anybody there at all to impose it other than the authorities?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThat is another question.