PALESTINE. (Hansard, 17 November 1936)

§ 42. Mr. GALLACHER
asked the Secretary of State for War whether the expeditionary force which was sent to Palestine because of the situation created by the general strike of the Arabs will be now withdrawn, seeing that the strike has now been terminated by the Higher Arab Committee in accordance with advice given by the four Arab kings?

§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Duff Cooper)
Orders have been issued for the withdrawal of the 5th Division. Further withdrawals will depend on the situation in Palestine.

§ Colonel WEDGWOOD
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether at the present time Palestine is governed by the Higher Arab Committee, or the four Arab kings, or the High Commissioner or General Dill, or by whom?

§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS
Is it a fact that a lot of the soldiers wanted to get away as quickly as they could last night because they had had too much margarine?

§ 53. Captain MACNAMARA
asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to equip the force recently sent to Palestine, it was necessary to withdraw any arms and equipment from the units left at home?

§ Mr. COOPER
With the exception of some readily replaceable wireless equipment, which was temporarily withdrawn in order to meet the special circumstances in Palestine, no difficulty was experienced.

§ 60. Mr. GALLACHER
asked the Secretary of State for War the total cost to date of the British military expedition to Palestine; whether the additional cost of the maintenance of the British naval, military, and air forces despatched to Palestine in consequence of the recent disturbances will be charged to Palestine or borne by the Imperial Exchequer; and whether he is aware that the cash surplus of Palestine on 1st July stood at the figure of £P6,411,684?

§ Sir JAMES BLINDELL (Lord of the Treasury)
I have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies who states: As regards the first two parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald) on 11th November. As regards the last part of the Question, the surplus balances of Palestine stood on 31st July last at the figure mentioned by the hon. Member, but very considerable adjustments would now be required in order to arrive at the cash surplus.