The question of whether Jewish immigration into Palestine is to be temporarily halted during sittings of the newly-appointed Royal Commission to investigate the disorders is still open, the House of Commons was told today.
Colonial Secretary William Ormsby-Gore made the statement in reply to a question by Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle, Conservative, on whether the Government could assure an unrestricted flow of immigration to Palestine.
“I am unable to reply definitely whether immigration will be stopped during the inquiry,” the Colonial Secretary said, “because the matter has not yet been decided.”
During a debate following his announcement of the commission, Mr. Ormsby-Gore yesterday declared that there was no question of stopping immigration as long as the disorders persisted, but the question of suspension during the inquiry would receive consideration, a decision being made on “the merits of the case and not influenced by violence.”
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood, Laborite and noted pro-Zionist, demanded today that the loyal elements now held in Palestine prisons as illegal immigrants be released.
Mr. Ormsby-Gore promised to inquire of High Commissioner Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope on the advisability of such release.
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