Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a statement to make as to the situation in Palestine?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreGenerally the condition of the country has somewhat improved, though sporadic acts of terrorism still continue. Several gangs of terrorists are known to be still operating: these include a number of persons from outside Palestine who act as leaders and organisers. Since the 23rd November the High Commissioner has reported the following casualties:
Arabs (including casualties incurred while resisting the defence forces): Killed … … … 10 Wounded … … … 4 Jews: Killed … … … 5 Wounded … … … 27 These figures include five Arab and one Jewish policemen killed. In the same period one British police constable was killed and another wounded. So far 26 Arabs have been tried by Military Courts. Of these, one has been sentenced to death and executed, three have been acquited and 21 have been sentenced to imprisonment for varying periods. Two Arabs have also recently been condemned to death by the Civil Court. Combined 2001W columns of mounted police and the Trans-Jordan Frontier Force are operating with great activity in the north, and both there and elsewhere vigorous steps are being taken to combat the continuing murder campaign.