The steps which Great Britain is planning to take to bring about a settlement of the dispute centering around the Wailing Wall were the subject of questions and discussion between members of the House of Commons and Under-Secretary for the Colonies Lunn.
Labor Member Mander asked why Article 14 of the Mandate, which provides for the appointment of an international Commission by the Mandatory to determine the rights and the claims to the Holy Places, had not been put into effect, and whether a special Commission for such a purpose was now contemplated.
Lunn replied that Great Britain in 1922 had drawn up proposals for the constitution of a Commission on the Holy Places in Palestine, but in view of the objections of certain powers represented in the Council of the League of Nations, the plan had been withdrawn. The powers concerned had been invited to make counter proposals, but they had not taken advantage of the invitation. The British government has at this time made certain proposals to the League of Nations, regarding the appointment of a Commission to settle the rights and the claims to the Wailing Wall.
Mander further inquired whether the Palestine government had been advised to permit the Moslem building operations in the area adjoining the Wailing Wall. Lunn replied that he preferred not to deal with the matter because the building operations referred to were closely associated with the incidents with which the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry is now dealing.
Cries of “Oh,” and protest from the Ministerial benches followed the interjection by Boothby: “How many Jews have still got to be killed before they reach equality with the Arabs?” This interjection followed Howard Bury’s question as to whether the Palestine Government had taken steps to allay the anxieties in Transjordania, Syria and Iraq by giving absolute equality of treatment to both Jews and Arabs. Lunn, to this query, replied that it is the constant endeavor of the government to give equality of treatment.
Howard Bury further asked whether, in view of the fact that the Arabs had produced documents showing their right to the Wailing Wall, and the Rabbinate had failed to do so, steps had been taken to safeguard the rights of the Arabs. Continuing, Bury asked whether steps would be taken to return to the status quo as soon as possible, since under the new temporary regulations, Jews were permitted to bring stands containing lamps and wash basins, and at certain times, tables and prayer mats, having the effect of turning the spot into an open air (Continued on Page 6)
synagogue, to the great annoyance of the Arabs.
Lunn’s reply was: “I cannot emphasize too strongly that the rights of the Moslems are in no danger. There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion that the temporary regulations have turned the spot into a synagogue. Their object is merely to regulate the procedure on the basis of established practice, pending the final settlement of the whole question.”
Bury again suggested a return to the status quo, which was agreeable to both parties concerned, instead of shifting on the League of Nations the burden of settling he matter.
Lunn again emphasized that the present procedure is on the basis of established practice and suggested that this reply be accepted until the matter is fully settled by a Commission which would inquire into the subject.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood inquired why the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry had taken part of the evidence of H. C. Luke, Chief Secretary of the Palestine Government, in camera, and whether this involved the exclusion of Sir Boyd Merriman, who is a member of Parliament, and his cross-examination. Wedgwood also wanted to know whether this evidence is to appear in the form of a printed document. Lunn replied that its procedure was a matter for the Commission itself to decide, and the disposition of the evidence would have to await its completion.
A. Fenuer Brockway, Labor Member asked whether the Secretary of State would recommend modification of the death sentence imposed upon a Jew charged with murdering an Arab during the riots. Lunn replied that the Palestine Law provides for an appeal pending which he could make no statement regarding any particular case.
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