§ 10. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether the regulations which have hitherto closed the better-class hotels and cafés to soldiers in Jerusalem have been withdrawn?
§ Mr. EdenI am informed that out of 41 hotels, restaurants, cafés and teashops in Jerusalem which are considered suitable to be put in bounds to troops, one hotel, which houses parts of the Palestine Government Secretariat and of the Military Force Headquarters, is not open to soldiers, and 10 other establish- 6 ments, not of large size, are, at the request of the proprietors, not open to soldiers below the rank of sergeant. The remaining 30 are in bounds to rank and file.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this sort of thing takes the heart out of the serving man, who is fighting for his country, and who is told that certain cafés are too good for the likes of him? Will my right hon. Friend take a more enlightened view, and not allow proprietors of cafés to impose restrictions of this kind on men who are fighting for the country?
§ Mr. EdenI entirely appreciate my hon. Friend's feelings, which I share; but, on looking into this, I find that the cafés concerned are all extremely small, with limited accommodation, and I do not think it would be any help to anybody if the local commander should have the rule modified.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that I sent to his predecessor a letter from a serving soldier, who pointed out that he and his friends had only drinking brothels to go to, because these other places were closed?
§ Mr. EdenI quite agree that the position is unsatisfactory, but I do not think that what the hon. Member suggests would meet the case; what is required is something on a much larger scale. I will look into the matter.