§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what respects, by what authority and why the Palestine Government restricted the freedom of British residents in Palestine in addition to restrictions applicable to the inhabitants generally; when these special restrictions will be removed; and, meanwhile, what arrangements have been made to mitigate hardship and the dislocation of business.
Mr. Creech JonesBritish residents in Palestine are in general required to reside and work within the security zones. The authority for the restrictions imposed is Defence (Emergency) Regulation No. 133A, which empowers the High Commissioner to instruct the Chief Secretary to serve on any person or class of persons such directions as may be deemed expedient for securing their personal safety. The restrictions placed on British residents are designed first, to secure their safety and, secondly, to ensure that Security Forces are not hampered in their work of maintaining order by an undefined commitment in respect of British residents who are liable to be selected for attack or abduction. It is impossible to say when these restrictions will be removed; they are under constant review, and will be modified or removed as soon as security conditions permit. It has already been possible to allow certain minor relaxations. Every effort is being made to mitigate hardships and dislocation of business by such measures as the provision of police escorts for essential journeys.