HC Deb 27 October 1947 vol 443 c491
19. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what article of the Mandate, or by what other inter national agreement is the Arab Legion, a force owing allegiance to a foreign Power, stationed in Palestine.

Mr. Mayhew

Article 17 of the Mandate provides that: the administration of Palestine may organise on a voluntary basis the forces necessary for the preservation of peace and order. The arrangement whereby part of the armed forces of Transjordan are employed in Palestine under the command of the General Officer Commanding began when Transjordan was still under British Mandate, and has continued since Transjordan became an independent State, without any formal agreement, but naturally with the freely given consent of King Abdullah, which is much appreciated by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Janner

In view of the delicate position in Palestine at the present time, will my hon. Friend consider the inadvisability of having outside Arab forces in Palestine?

Mr. Mayhew

These forces are perfectly loyal to the policy of the Government.

Mr. Stokes

Is it the intention to clear the Jew forces out as well?