Easter Season Which is Always Difficult Time in Palestine Passed off Quietly Apart from Isolated Unf

The situation has not materially changed since you put a similar question to me some three weeks ago, Dr. Drummond Shiels, the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, said in the House of Commons this afternoon in reply to Colonel Howard-Bury, who had asked him whether he could make a statement with regard to the present position in Palestine and with regard to the Arab boycott.

I am happy to say, Dr. Shiels went on, that apart from the isolated and unfortunate incident in the neighbourhood of Haifa which has been reported in the press, the Easter season which is always a difficult time in Palestine passed off quietly. As regards the last part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to my previous statement.

Is Dr. Shiels aware that the tension is just about as bad as it can be, Colonel Howard-Bury pursued, especially since the letter of the Prime Minister to Dr. Weizmann, and what steps is he taking to bring about that necessary co-operation between the two communities.

We are constantly taking all steps possible to bring about that desirable co-operation, Dr. Drummond Shiels replied.

Would it not be possible since the publication of the Prime Minister’s letter to get both sides together to discuss this matter and see whether an amicable arrangement can be arrived at, Mr. J.J. McShane, Labour member for Walsall, put in.

We are always keeping that in view, Dr. Shiels answered, and we shall be glad to arrange such a meeting whenever it is possible.

Will you take stps towards that? Mr. McShane asked.

We have been doing so, Dr. Shiels replied.