HC Deb 11 February 1948 vol 447 cc79-81W
80. Mr. S. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further statement to make concerning the recent disturbances in Aden; whether he now proposes to institute a public inquiry; and whether adequate compensation will be paid to the victims or their bereaved dependants.

104. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have now been taken to protect the lives and property of law-abiding residents in Aden; and what investigations are to be instituted in respect of the recent disturbances.

Mr. Rees-Williams

It is now reported that the numbers killed during these disturbances were 82 Jews, 38 Arabs, and three others. No reliable figures are available of those wounded. Criminal proceedings have been taken against numerous persons involved, and convictions and deportations approximate to 1,000. The Government of Aden is taking steps for the immediate relief and maintenance of members of the Jewish community who are in need. A Special Magistrate has been appointed to inquire into the claims for compensation.

The British troops brought to Aden at the time of the disturbances are still in the Colony. I understand that these are considered sufficient to deal with any situation likely to arise. The situation in this respect is kept under constant review by the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Land Forces.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has decided to institute at the earliest possible date a formal inquiry into the occurrences.

Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he has yet received a report from Aden, including that of Lieutenant Bruce, who gave evidence that he had seen the Aden Protectorate Levies shooting at innocent people in their own houses; and why the authorities employed Arab forces to maintain law and order on the occasion of an Arab riot;

(2) whether he has any further statement to make on the Arab riots which took place in Aden on 2nd December, 1947, and the following clays, in the course of which 75 Jews were killed, and hundreds of others wounded;

(3) whether he will now give an assurance that there are sufficient non-Arab forces at Aden to prevent a recurrence of the riots that took place early in December, 1947.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Nelson and Come (Mr. S. Silverman) and West Leicester (Mr. Janner). Reports such as those to which the hon. Member refers and questions relating to the forces employed to maintain law and order fall within the scope of the Inquiry which is to be instituted, and it would not be desirable to make any statement concerning them at this stage.

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