Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance. – in the House of Commons at on 5 March 1935.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to outbreaks of new anti-Jewish agitation in Palestine; and whether he will inquire and give the House information as to this?
Mr Philip Lloyd-Greame
, Hendon
It is a matter of public knowledge that Arab Opposition to Jewish immigration into Palestine and the purchase of land by Jews is at present being ventilated freely in the Arab Press of Palestine. On the 1st December last the High Commissioner received a deputation from the Arab Executive, who presented a memorandum concerning the sale of Arab lands and Jewish immigration. The High Commissioner, in a reply which was published, stated plainly the policy of the Government in relation to these matters. That policy is well-known, and I am sure the House has complete confidence that the High Commissioner will carry it out fairly. I do not think that any particular inquiry is called for.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Are we to take it from that answer that the right hon. Gentleman has not heard of any new agitation recently; and may I ask whether it is a fact that the ex-Khedive of Egypt is buying land in Palestine or in Trans-Jordan, as he is no friend of this country? May I also ask whether the right hon. Gentleman reads regularly the confidential reports of the defence force in Palestine which are sent to him? I do not know what is in them, but I should be more satisfied if I thought that they were read by the right hon. Gentleman.
Mr Philip Lloyd-Greame
, Hendon
I am afraid that I have no knowledge of the purchase of land or anything else by the ex-Khedive. I think that I read all relevant reports. I cannot say that I read every report, but my attention is drawn to anything of particular interest, and I receive very regular and full reports from the High Commissioner.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
I am speaking of confidential reports of the defence force, which would not naturally go to his department.
Mr Philip Lloyd-Greame
, Hendon
I am sure that my department receives anything that is relevant to the administration of Palestine, whether it is in regard to the defence force or anything else.
Mr Anthony Crossley
, Oldham
Will effective steps soon be taken to stop illegal immigration which is the principal cause of the trouble?
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