§ Sir F. SANDERSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Jews in Palestine have actually obtained, under the pretence of self-defence, 1,200 rifles and ammunition; that these arms have been distributed amongst the Jewish colonists who support the Jewish Labour party under the leadership of Mr. Ben Swi; that there exists in Palestine a Jewish secret force, known as Hagana, that was formed last year and is now 3,000 to 4,000 strong; that this force is smuggling arms into the country; that British police officers are reported frequently to visit the Jewish colonies for 2413W the purpose of training young colonists; whether, in view of the danger to Palestine as a whole from the accumulation of large quantities of arms and ammunition in the hands of the Communists under Mr. Ben Swi, he will prohibit the further supply of arms and ammunition to Jews in future; and will he have investigations made into existing secret supplies of such arms with, where considered necessary, powers of confiscation?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs the House were informed by the late Secretary of State on the 21st February, 1922, 900 rifles had at that time been distributed among the Jewish colonies in Palestine for use in self-defence against sudden and unprovoked attack. These rifles were stored in armouries which could be opened only on the express orders of the British District Governor concerned. I know of no further supply being issued. There are no grounds for the suggestion that the Jewish Labour party, or those of the Jewish colonists who support them, have received exceptional treatment; or that large quantities of arms and ammunition have been accumulated in the hands of Communists, who form an insignificant minority of the Jewish Labour party. Every possible step is being taken by the Palestine Government to prevent the smuggling of arms. The whole question of illicit associations and of the smuggling of arms is engaging the close attention of the Government of Palestine.