87. Mr. Driberģasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a full statement on the arrest of Major Farran, Palestine Police, and the events which preceded and followed it, including the circumstances of the death of Alexander Rubowitz.
Mr. Creech JonesA Jewish youth named Alexander Rubowitz, who is believed to have been found distributing Stern Group literature in Jerusalem, disappeared on the evening of 6th May. He was not brought to any police station or military installation and no trace of him has since been found. While investigations into the disappearance of Rubowitz were taking place, Major R. A. Farran, an Army officer seconded to the Palestine Police, left the country and took refuge in Syria. Arrangements were made by the Palestine Government to present a request for his extradition to the Government of Syria, but before this request was presented Major Farran returned voluntarily to Palestine on 17th June. On his return he was arrested and formally charged in connection with the disappearance of Rubowitz. While in custody he submitted his resignation from the Palestine Police and this was accepted by the High Commissioner. On 19th June, Major Farran escaped from custody. He surrendered himself voluntarily to the military authorities on 29th June. He is now in military custody on a holding charge of being absent without leave, pending the taking of a summary of sworn evidence on which a decision will be taken whether further charges are to be preferred against him.