HC Deb 19 November 1947 vol 444 cc1121-2
34. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the further murders of British soldiers and civilians in Palestine, he will arrange for the evacuation of British personnel from Palestine to be completed not later than 1st May instead of 1st August, as had been announced.

Mr. Creech Jones

His Majesty's Government deeply deplore the continuing toll of British lives in Palestine, but they consider that 1st August is the earliest date by which the withdrawal of all British troops in Palestine could be completed, having regard particularly, to their number, the large quantities of equipment involved and the problem of transport.

Mr. Lipson

Is the Secretary of State aware of the concern felt by relatives of these men in this country at the long time that it is proposed to take for evacuation, and can he give an assurance that all possible speed will be shown in bringing about the evacuation, and, in particular, that there is no intention to go slow with evacuation until April, in order to make possible the export of the citrus crop from Palestine?

Mr. Creech Jones

All steps will be taken to secure as speedy a withdrawal as possible, but it is a very complicated operation, and problems of accommodation and transport must be considered if the thing is to be carried through efficiently and at all effectively.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend make clear to our American friends that unless they stop subsidising the Zionist movement, the Western mammies will soon have to send their sons to Palestine to impose an unwelcome policy?

Dr. Segal

Could my right hon. Friend give an undertaking to make at least an early withdrawal of British Forces into the Gaza area where there is ample accommodation for all the troops at present in Palestine? Can he give a further undertaking that in the evacuation not only the ports of Haifa and Jaffa will be used, but that the widest possible use will be made of road and rail facilities to the Suez Canal zone?

Mr. Creech Jones

The withdrawal from Palestine cannot be discussed by question and answer on the Floor of the House.

Mr. Pickthorn

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether his original answer was meant to imply that all equipment will be got out by 1st August?

Mr. Creech Jones

We hope that as much equipment as possible will be withdrawn by that date.

Mr. Thurtle

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the withdrawal has already started?

Mr. Creech Jones

All I can say is that the matter is receiving our most active consideration.