HC Deb 04 February 1948 vol 446 cc1801-3
48. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Defence what will be the cost to the British taxpayer of retaining our troops in Palestine from 1st January until 1st August.

Mr. Alexander

The total cost of maintaining the Forces likely to be serving in Palestine during the period is estimated at about £12 million. It would be very difficult to assess what proportion of this expenditure is attributable to the continued retention of the Forces in that country.

Sir T. Moore

Could the Minister say what return or compensation we get for this heavy expenditure, and why we should keep the troops there at all?

Mr. Alexander

We are carrying out our responsibilities under the Mandate.

54. Major Beamish

asked the Minister of Defence whether any final decision has yet been taken as to the date on which the United Kingdom will cease to be responsible for the maintenance of law and order in Palestine; and whether he is now in a position to make a fuller statement regarding the plans for the withdrawal of British Forces, stores and equipment from Palestine.

51. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Defence is he aware of the anxiety felt by the wives, parents and relatives of our troops serving in Palestine, in view of the murderous warfare now developing and can he say how long before our troops will be withdrawn from that area.

Mr. Alexander

As has already been announced, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to terminate their Mandate in Palestine, and with it their civil administration of that country, on 15th May next, and to complete the evacuation of their Forces from Palestine by 1st August next. The progress of the withdrawal of British Forces, stores and equipment from Palestine is proceeding according to these plans, and is making good progress. The Government deplore the outbreaks of violence occurring in Palestine, with the casualties they entail, both to the civil population and to personnel of the British Forces and civil administration. During the Debate on 12th December, 1947, it was stated that His Majesty's Government would keep in mind the possibility of withdrawing at earlier dates than those stated above. The matter has accordingly been kept under review, and has recently been reexamined. But, having regard to all the factors, and to all that has to he done, and to the very great care with which the original plan was worked out, His Majesty's Government must adhere to the dates originally announced, i.e., 15th May for the termination of the Mandate, and 1st August for the completion of the evacuation of British Forces.

Major Beamish

In view of the tact that a very considerable number of British personnel and large quantities of stores must remain in Palestine between May and August, will the Minister say whether he is satisfied that the machinery provided by the United Nations for the maintenance of law and order in Palestine, and for the administration of Palestine, will be adequate, and will not result in the needless loss of British lives and great cost to the British taxpayers?

Mr. Alexander

I cannot reveal the details of our plan of evacuation and the covering of that portion of the stores which we cannot evacuate before 15th May. Therefore, I cannot answer the question.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister satisfied that the machinery to be provided by the United Nations will be adequate for the maintenance of law and order and the administration of Palestine?

Mr. Alexander

With regard to that question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the statements made on several occasions at the United Nations Organisation by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies and other representatives.

Major Beamish

But they do not answer my question.

Mr. Janner

Does my right hon. Friend really think that the United Nations can make preparations in the space of two weeks to put the new States in this country in a position to preserve that order, and will he see to it that the other Ministers concerned in the matter with him realise the absurdity of that suggestion?

Mr. Alexander

That is a question which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I can only add that the United Nations Organisation were given very ample warning.