§ 26. Commander Locker - Lampsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the present population in Transjordania; what are its administrative and other costs to this country; and whether steps could be taken to extend the Mandate to this district and to permit the colonisation of Jews there?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)I have been asked to reply. Though no census has been taken, the population of Transjordan is probably between 300,000 and 320,000. Apart from certain assistance by way of loan, provision has been made from United Kingdom funds for the current financial year as follows:
784 The Mandate for Palestine applies, and has always applied, to Transjordan with the exception of certain of its provisions among which are those relating to the establishment of the Jewish National Home. As to the settlement of Jews in Transjordan, the position remains as stated by my predecessors.
£ Grant in aid of administration 55,000 Salaries and expenses of British Resident and his staff 7,700 Share of Transjordan Frontier Force attributable to their work in Transjordan 147,000
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs the Minister thinking of scheduling this place as a distressed area?