HC Deb 01 December 1948 vol 458 cc1974-5
5. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contribution the Israeli provisional Government have given or are giving in aid of the Arab refugees in Palestine.

Mr. Mayhew

None, Sir, so far as I know.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that the Israeli provisional Government are the main cause of all the trouble in Palestine?

Mr. Mayhew

That is somewhat controversial.

Mr. Lipson

Is my hon. Friend aware that a Jewish Society for Human Service has been formed in this country with the object of assisting both Arabs and Jews who are in distress in Palestine, and does not that indicate that many British Jews are aware of their responsibility in this matter?

Mr. Mayhew

All help of this kind, from all quarters, will be very welcome.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why he will not answer a question merely because it is controversial?