§ 112. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that during this year two paramilitary Arab organisations called "Najjada" and "Futuwwa," respectively, have been formed in Palestine and have been holding parades of their uniformed members in public places and training members in the use of small arms weapons; and whether this has been done with the approval of the Palestine administration.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Arab youth organisations in Palestine, to which my hon. Friend refers, "Najjada" and "Futuwwa," originated as Arab scout movements, the former towards the end of 1945 and the latter as far back as 1935. Their present activities are being kept under close observation by the Palestine Administration, and cases which have come to notice of unlawful drilling and interference with the liberty of the subject are being dealt with. There has been no reliable evidence that these groups have been indulging in small arms training, but the question whether or not they should be granted the requisite permission to wear distinctive dress is under current examination by the competent authorities in Palestine.