HC Deb 22 November 1937 vol 329 cc861-2W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the type of evidence on which the decisions were made for the deportation of Arabs from Palestine?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have nothing to add to the explanatory statement issued by the Government of Palestine on 1st October, which read as follows:

"The Palestine Government has been gravely concerned by the existence of an organised campaign of terrorism and assassinations directed against individuals in this country.

During the last four months this campaign has become intensified in its activities.

The action now being taken is a direct result of this murder campaign.

On the 13th June an attempt was made to assassinate Mr. R. G. B. Spicer, Inspector-General of the Palestine Police Force. There followed a number of assassinations of both Arabs and Jews, the campaign culminating on the 26th September in the dastardly murder of Mr. L. Y. Andrews, the District Commissioner of Galilee district, and of British constable P. R. McEwen.

The Officer Administering the Government has therefore found it necessary to institute action against certain persons whose activities have been prejudicial to the maintenance of public security in Palestine and who must, thus, be regarded as morally responsible for these events.

In virtue therefore of the powers taken by the Officer Administering the Government by regulations made under the Palestine (Defence) Order in Council 1937, the Arab Higher Committee and all national committees in Palestine have been declared to be unlawful associations.

Warrants of arrest have been issued in respect of the following persons who will he deported from Palestine:

Jamal Effendi Al Husseini.

Ahmad Hilmi Pasha.

Fuad Effendi Saba.

Yacoub Effendi Ghussein.

Doctor Hussein Fakhri Effendi Al Khalidi.

Haj Amin Effendi Al Husseini has been deprived of his office of President of the Supreme Moslem Council and of membership of the General Wakf Committee of which he was chairman."

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Arabs at present under detention will be released for purposes of negotiation?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I can give no undertaking as to the release of persons now under detention.