HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 cc1744-5
8. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to Part I Orders, serial number 37, dated 13th February, 1948, posted at R.E.M.E. Electrical Training Wing, Bailleul Camp, Arborfield, inviting officers and other ranks to submit to the adjutant applications for service with the Arab League, and if he will make a statement on this matter.

Mr. Shinwell

This notice contained a typing mistake. A small number of volunteers from R.E.M.E. were wanted for service with the Arab Legion, not the Arab League. The mistake was corrected in the Unit's Part I Orders on 16th February.

Mr. Mikardo

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the information that the error in Part I Orders was so promptly corrected, may I ask him how recruitment for the Arab Legion at the present time, especially of men who have at least 12 months still to serve, is consonant with the statement of the Foreign Secretary on 12th December that British units of this Legion would be disbanded on the withdrawal of British Forces from Palestine?

Mr. Shinwell

I understand that arrangements are being made for the disbandment of these Forces, but meantime we are under treaty obligations to provide assistance for training these forces and we must comply with the provisions of the treaty. I am obliged to my hon. Friend for having drawn my attention to the typing mistake.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how a copy of this Order could be published in the "Jewish Standard" in its misleading form?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware. I could not say.

Mr. Janner

In view of the very natural confusion between the Arab Legion and its connection with the Arab League, and in view of the actions that the Arab League are taking at present, will my right hon. Friend take steps immediately to discontinue recruitment of this particular unit?

Mr. Shinwell

If my hon. Friend can direct my attention to some misdeameanours on the part of the Arab Legion naturally I will have to take them into consideration.

Mr. Vane

Can the right hon. Gentleman correct an error? Surely there are no British units in the Arab Legion? It is the Transjordan Force with a few British personnel.

Mr. Shinwell

I never said there were. The Arab Legion is the Arab Legion whoever happens to be associated with it.

Mr. Mikardo

Is it really sensible to invite applications in January from British soldiers to join a force 2,000 miles away, part of which will be disbanded in May or very soon afterwards?

Mr. Shinwell

That is precisely the routine we employ in connection with the Army as a whole. Although we are running down the Forces we have to replace the deficiences in certain units.