HC Deb 18 December 1946 vol 431 c1944
23. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the British Council has not invited the Palestine Association of Engineers and Architects to a conference of the Reunion Internationale d'Architects to be held in London.

Mr. Creech Jones

The conference to which I understand this Question to refer was held in London from 23rd to 28th September. I believe that the British Council was consulted regarding the representation of some countries, including Palestine, at the conference; but, as agreement could not be reached on the composition of a representative delegation for Palestine, no invitation was in fact issued in that case.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that both the British branch and the central headquarters of this international body urged the British Council not to discriminate against the Palestine delegation; and will he ask the British Council to mollify rather than exacerbate public feeling in those parts of the world where the situation is already difficult enough as it is?