HC Deb 19 April 1948 vol 449 cc1441-2
64. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if a decision has now been reached by the United Nations organisation on the appointment of a Governor for the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Places; if he will state the powers, duties and functions of the Governor so appointed; and if the recruitment of the necessary forces to sustain the executive authority of the Governor has been completed.

Mr. McNeil

No Governor for Jerusalem has yet been appointed. In implementation of the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly of 29th November, 1947, the Trusteeship Council elaborated a draft Constitution for the City of Jerusalem covering, among other things, the appointment and functions of a Governor and a draft of instructions to the Governor so appointed. It did not, however, give final approval to either, nor did it proceed with the appointment of a Governor, but decided on 10th March to postpone these matters till a subsequent meeting which is to be held on 21st April.

With regard to the recruitment of a security force for Jerusalem, the United Nations Palestine Commission have been in touch with the Government of Pales-tone who have advised them on the problem, have offered to communicate to British members of the Palestine Police Force any offers of service which may he made, and have gladly consented to a United Nations representative proceeding to Palestine to make arrangements for recruiting such forces.

Sir P. Hannon

Does the Minister of State realise the urgency of this question? May I ask him what steps are being taken by the Foreign Office to make representations to the United Nations organisation that no time must be lost in the appointment of a Governor if we are to save the Holy Places from desecration in future?

Mr. McNeil

Such delay as there has been has been entered upon despite the pleadings and advice of His Majesty's Government.