§ 10. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what naval forces were despatched to Palestine at the request of the High Commissioner; what naval forces are still there; what expense was incurred in meeting the High (Commissioner's request; and by whom the expenditure will be met?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)On the outbreak of trouble in Palestine, one battleship, one aircraft carrier, one cruiser and two destroyers were ordered there. They remained from two to three weeks, and subsequently one day visits have been paid by one battleship, one aircraft carrier, two cruisers and two destroyers. 1018 A battleship arrived at Jaffa on the 2nd November, and according to the latest information available is still there. Particulars of expenses incurred are not yet available, and no decision has yet been reached as to the allocation of the expenditure.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether all this expense and trouble were not caused by the late Government?
§ 63. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what naval and military forces have been sent to Palestine; and how long is it proposed to keep them there?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Lunn)Information as to military forces was given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War on the 31st October in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald). As regards naval forces, I understand that my right hon. Friend, the First Lord of the Admiralty, is replying to-day to a question on the subject by the same hon. and gallant Member. I am unable to say for how long the forces which still remain will be kept in Palestine. That must depend upon the requirements of the situation.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWill it not be necessary to keep those forces in Palestine as long as the policy of the Balfour Declaration is continued in Palestine?