§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make with regard to the reinforcement of troops in Palestine?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)As the House is aware, there has been an especially serious outbreak of violence in Haifa during the last three days, and a number of incidents in other centres in Palestine. In order to assist the authorities in dealing with the situation His Majesty's Ship 796 "Emerald" has been diverted from her homeward course and sent to Haifa, where she arrived yesterday afternoon. She will be relieved to-day by His Majesty's Ship "Repulse." Orders have been given for the despatch of two rifle battalions from Egypt to Palestine at the earliest possible date, and it is anticipated that these will remain there until the arrival of the brigade which is to be stationed in Palestine later in the year. In a telegram which I have received from the High Commissioner to-day he reports that last night the situation in Haifa was quiet but tense.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishCan the right hon. Gentleman say what are the names of the battalions that are going from Egypt to Palestine?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI cannot give that information until we have received the reply from the military authorities in Egypt.
§ Mr. ThorneHas the right hon. Gentleman any information about the people who are prompting the Arabs to do what they are doing now? Somebody must be supplying them with money.