§ 36. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to ensure that the plans of the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations are made effective so far as preserving Jerusalem and the surrounding Holy Places from damage is concerned; and whether to this end he will take steps to see that the United Nations Palestine Commissioners on no account select the city as a headquarters which would result in making Jerusalem the centre of political conflict.
§ Mr. BevinThe Trusteeship Council will consider the future of Jerusalem at its session which begins today. So far as I am aware, the United Nations Commission have not expressed any intention of establishing their headquarters at Jerusalem.
§ Sir R. GlynWhile recognising the delicacy of the present position, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he will do everything possible to prevent the Holy Places in Palestine from becoming seats of war, as they undoubtedly will become, if the headquarters of Government of the United Nations is established in Jerusalem?
§ Mr. BevinI have already explained to the House that it is our intention to come out of Palestine, and I cannot add to that. The matter is now in the hands of the United Nations, and I have no doubt that this Question and answer will be considered by them.
Mr. Ivor ThomasWill my right hon. Friend make a distinction between Jerusalem and the rest of Palestine in the matter of security, and will he be assured that public opinion will be behind him if the United Kingdom will make a contribution to the defence of Jerusalem, whatever is done in the rest of the country?
§ Sir Patrick HannonAs the Holy City of Jerusalem has been the inspiration of human progress for thousands of years, will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that it will be protected from riot and bloodshed?
§ Mr. BevinIt is now the responsibility of the United Nations; His Majesty's Government cannot undertake it.