§ 2. Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an estimate of the loss of life and grave injury to Arabs and Jews, respectively, during the riots and outrages in Palestine since 1st October, 1947.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsApproximate casualty figures for Arabs and Jews in Palestine between 1st October, 1947, and 24th April, 1948, so far as known to the authorities, are as follow: Arabs—killed 1,300, wounded 2,500; Jews—killed 1,000, wounded 2,000.
§ Sir P. HannonHave any claims been made on the Administration of His Majesty's Government in Palestine for compensation for those who have been lost on either one side or the other?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsNot so far as I am aware.
§ 3. Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state, as at the latest date for which detailed information is available, the numbers of British officers and men who have been killed and seriously injured in Palestine during the preceding twelve months; and the numbers of civilians of British nationality killed and injured during the same period.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsRecords of numbers injured are not readily available, but the following are the numbers of British subjects killed in Palestine between 1st May, 1947, and 24th April, 1948: Armed Forces, 137; Police, 53; Civilians, 11.
§ Sir P. HannonDoes not the answer to all these three Questions indicate that the sacrifice made by this country in order to preserve the future of Palestine is an inspiration to civilisation?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsYes, Sir.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs it not perfectly clear that if His Majesty's Government had taken the advice of the Leader of the Opposition in 1946 none of these casualties would have occurred?