§ 24. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for War what action it is proposed to take with reference to the offer of the Jewish Agency for Palestine made at the outbreak of war, and again in December, to raise a Jewish force for the disposal of the Allies and to offer the industrial and scientific resources of the Jews in Palestine for supplying the Allied bases in the Middle East?
§ Sir E. GriggWith regard to the offer to raise a Jewish force, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on 23rd May last. As regards the latter part of the Question, His Majesty's Government have received valuable assistance from the Palestine Corporation Limited in surveying the economic and industrial resources of Palestine which can be utilised in the war effort. It has been decided that the best contribution that can be made by Palestine is the utilisation of her existing resources for providing general stores and equipment for troops in the Middle East.
§ Colonel WedgwoodIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the answer which I received on the 23rd May stated that as yet no offer had been received from the Jewish organisations, and can he say whether that is still the case, or whether there is now some definite offer?
§ Sir E. GriggI think my right hon. Friend only said that an offer had not been received in that particular form, but the utilisation of Jewish troops has been fully discussed.
§ Colonel WedgwoodHas a decision been come to?
§ Sir E. Griggindicated assent.