HC Deb 10 March 1948 vol 448 c1221
28. Squadron-Leader Fleming

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the 479 Arab members of the Palestine Police, who were posted as deserters or were absent without leave, during recent months, took away with them their kit, arms, or any other equipment; and whether any of the said deserters or absentees have been arrested.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The Arab police deserters and absentees, of whom only two were members of the regular police, took with them their kit and arms, and in some cases other arms of the Police Force. None has so far been arrested.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it true that these deserters and absentees have succeeded in joining. the Arab guerrilla bands now operating in the Judean Hills against Jerusalem?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have no information about them at all.