HC Deb 07 July 1948 vol 453 cc357-8
24. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many military officers and other ranks, respectively, are now attached and seconded to the Government of Transjordan; and how many civil servants have been seconded or attached to the service of that Government.

Mr. Mayhew

Twenty-three British officers and 16 other ranks are seconded from the British Forces for service with the Government of Transjordan. None of them are in Palestine. Four British civilian officials were carried on the Palestine Government pensionable establishment and seconded to the service of the Transjordan Government. This arrangement ceased on the termination of the Mandate on 15th May, and those who are still serving with the Transjordan Government are not seconded from the Service of His Majesty's Government but are purely private individuals.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the declaration of King Abdullah that he intends to fight on until the Jewish State is destroyed, will not the Under-Secretary recall these men to serve where they belong, namely, in this country?

Mr. Stokes

Before my hon. Friend replies, may I ask whether in the event of deciding to take the action my hon. Friend suggests, he will also make representations to the American Government that they should withdraw their American help to the Jews.