HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 cc1239-40
50. Dr. Segal

asked the Minister of Defence whether Jaffa is scheduled as one of the evacuation ports for the British Army in Palestine; and whether any Army or R.A.F. units are to be retained for operational purposes in that area after 15th May.

Mr. Alexander

As was made clear by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the Debate on 11th December, it would not be in the public interest to give details of the plan for the withdrawal of our Forces from Palestine.

Dr. Segal

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British commanders in Palestine give every assistance to the Jewish authorities to restore the health and other services of that country, especially in view of the new outbreak of typhoid in the northern part of Palestine?

Mr. Alexander

I think that the British military authorities throughout the history of their connection with Palestine have always given every possible assistance, but I would point out that in present circumstances they are very fully occupied and the extent to which they can serve in this direction must be limited.

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