HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 cc204-5
44. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give details of the military equipment and material recently passed over to the Arab Legion; and whether, in view of the declaration of King Abdullah that the Legion will take action against the Jews after 15th May, he will ask for the return of such military equipment and material.

Mr. Shinwell

Such issues, which have been made in accordance with treaty obligations, have been from stocks held in the Middle East. Precise details of recent issues under the approved programme are not available in this country. As regards the second part of the Question, this is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Cocks

Was there any stipulation that this equipment should not be used against the Zionists and, in view of the fact that King Abdullah has now invaded Palestine, will equivalent equipment be transferred to the Jews to ensure equal treatment between the two sides?

Mr. Shinwell

On that question, which appears to have been derived from Press reports, I would beg my hon. Friend to suspend judgment.

Mr. Janner

Could my right hon. Friend say whether he is taking any steps to ascertain how many of these members of the Arab Legion are participating in attacks upon Palestinian people, and whether, in view of the fact that they are obviously supplied with ammunition and officered by British officers, he will see that neither ammunition nor other possibility of attack is given to them.

Mr. Shinwell

We have no information that members of the Arab Legion are making attacks on Jews.

Mr. Austin

As the treaty with Transjordan was drawn up on the basis of securing and maintaining peace in the Middle East, how does my right hon. Friend reconcile that fact with the present situation?

Mr. Shinwell

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.