§ Sir T. INSKIPasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Palestine has drafted an Ordinance ousting the general jurisdiction vested in the civil courts by Section 38 of the Palestine Order in Council by a Clause which vests in the Jewish religious courts control over the administration of religious and charitable endowments constituted before 959W Moslem courts; that this step is being strenuously opposed by the dedicators of more than 30 charitable institutions in Jerusalem who have more confidence in the efficiency of the civil courts than in that of the Jewish rabbinical courts; and whether he will take steps to revoke the Ordinance?
Mr. THOMASI have seen the draft of the Ordinance to which the question refers. I am aware that a section of the Jewish community in Palestine has taken exception to its provisions. I am in communication with the High Commissioner on the subject.