§ 1. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what arrangements are being made to arm the Jews in Palestine in self-protection in connection with the general work of pacification and in view of the decision for partition in some form?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)Apart from the considerable number of Jews at present serving in the Transjordan Frontier Force and in the Palestine Police, large numbers of Jews have been enrolled as supernumerary police for the protection of Jewish settlements. My latest information was that these numbered 4,589, of whom approximately 1,000 were mobilised, paid, armed and fully employed. Arms for the remainder, who constitute a reserve, are available for issue in the event of an emergency.
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great assistance, physical and financial, that we could obtain by carrying that process still further and enlisting the assistance of willing Jews?
§ 2. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the defensive barbed-wire fencing now being erected in the region of the Syrian frontier of Palestine is to follow the actual boundary between the two States, or 2408 whether any and, if so, which Jewish colonial settlements will lie on the Syrian side of the fence?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI am referring the hon. Member's inquiry to the High Commissioner, and I shall inform him as soon as I have the High Commissioner's reply.