§ Mr. LATHANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that sections of the Egyptian Press are being used for propaganda designed to foment anti-Semitism on Moslem religious grounds, it being alleged that the Jewish national home in Palestine constitutes a danger to Moslem Holy Places; and whether, having regard to the disturbances and dangers there, he will consider the desirability of causing a declaration to be made showing that the Moslem Holy Places are fully protected by the spirit and the letter of the British mandate on Palestine and also by the Balfour declaration?
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§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am aware that allegations have from time to time been made suggesting that Moslem Holy Places in Palestine may be endangered by the establishment of the Jewish national home. The Balfour declaration contains the express proviso that nothing should be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine; and under Article 13 of the Mandate all responsibility is specifically assumed by the Mandatory Power in connection with the Holy Places and religious buildings or sites in Palestine, including that of preserving existing rights and of securing free access to the Holy Places, religious buildings and sites, and the free exercise of worship, while ensuring the requirements of public order and decorum. I am glad to have this opportunity of giving an assurance that His Majesty's Government have the fullest intention of fulfilling, in the spirit as well as in the letter, this solemn obligation in regard to all Holy Places Christian as well as Moslem.