§ 31 and 32. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) if he has received any information about the size and constitution of the military contingent pledged by the Dominion of Pakistan for operational service in Palestine;
(2) whether he is aware that the Dominion of Pakistan has pledged itself to send a contingent of troops to engage in active military operations in Palestine; and what attitude has been taken in this matter by His Majesty's Government.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)I have received no information that the Government of Pakistan has pledged itself to send a contingent of troops to Palestine. The second part of Question No. 32 does not therefore arise.
§ Dr. SegalWill the right hon. Gentleman, who has been associated with movements for world peace all his life make no representations to the Government of Pakistan? Is he prepared to accept the position that a British Dominion can engage in war-like activities without any word of warning or advice from the Government?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerFirst, I have no information, as I said earlier, and therefore none of this arises. Secondly, I think Members in all parts of the House hope that the fighting in Palestine will not restart, and therefore none of this is practicable anyway.