§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a final statement on the Court of Inquiry into the shooting of Basuto troops in Palestine.
§ Mr. Lawson:I have now received the report of the Court of Inquiry. The facts given in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on 16th April, which were based on a telegraphic report, were substantially correct. It is now clear, however, that a considerable time elapsed after the first signs of mutiny were apparent, until firing actually occurred. During this time, reinforcements were brought in, and attempts were made, including the use of tear smoke, to quell the mutiny without resorting to the use of fire. Contrary to the orders of the Commanders on the spot, some British troops opened fire in the general melee which resulted from attempts to force the 174W Basutos into their cells, after two British officers and a number of British other ranks had been injured by bricks thrown by the mutineers. The Commanders took immediate action to stop the firing, which, according to various estimates, lasted only from 10 to 45 seconds. The Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces, considers that force was necessary to deal with the mutineers, but that more than the minimum necessary was used. He is of the opinion that the Commanders on the spot did honestly intend that only the minimum force should be used, but failed to appreciate the need for cooperation of command and clear orders. This failure resulted in lack of control, and to this extent, the Commanders were blameworthy, and have been censured. I agree with the views of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Force, and I have approved the action taken by him. The Basutos were not tried for their mutinous conduct on the occasion in question and, as I informed the House on 16th April, all the previous sentences were subsequently remitted. The Basutos concerned left the Middle East on their way home on 25th March.