§ 45. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to state the reason why an offer to supply funds for the relief of air-raid victims in Palestine was refused?
§ Mr. AttleeI am informed that it is not the case that an offer of this nature has been refused. On instructions from his Government, the American Consul-General in Jerusalem recently informed the Palestine Government that appeals had been made to the American Red 1970 Cross to contribute to the relief of victims of air raids in Palestine. The Consul-General consulted the Palestine Government regarding the urgency of the needs which would justify the diversion to Palestine of funds which would otherwise be spent on the relief of air-raid victims in the United Kingdom. He was informed that, while the suggestion was keenly appreciated and the money could be spent usefully, the Government did not view the situation resulting from air raids up to date as an emergency which would ordinarily warrant an appeal for Red Cross assistance from abroad, as the immediate needs of the victims and their dependants had been met by local organisations from existing funds supplemented by Government grants, donations from the local branch of the British Red Cross and private gifts.
§ Mr. ManderCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this decision was not given in any way on political grounds, and that if conditions get worse in regard to air raids, sympathetic consideration will he given to any such offer in future?
§ Mr. AttleeObviously the decision was taken in the light of the circumstances, and if the circumstances change, no doubt that will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. ManderThe question is whether it was given on political grounds. Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no political consideration entered into it?
§ Mr. AttleeI did not know that that suggestion was made.