HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2114-5
40. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now state the precise nature of the arrangements made for the safeguarding of the Holy Places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on the termination of the mandate.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The safety of the Holy Places in Jerusalem depends on the maintenance of order in the City. Negotiations are now being conducted by the High Commissioner with the Arabs and Jews for a truce to cover the Jerusalem town planning area. Bethlehem lies outside this area, but it seems likely that if peace is maintained in the City of Jerusalem no threat will develop to the Holy Places in Bethlehem. As the terms of the truce are still the subject of negotiation, I cannot state their precise nature at the moment.

Sir P. Harmon

Has any officer yet been appointed? Is there one on the eve of being appointed to take charge of this difficult office of safeguarding the Holy Places in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem? Have the Government succeeded in getting an appropriate officer to take charge?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have no more information on that. Not so far as I am aware.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

If the truce negotiations break down, what steps will be taken to safeguard the Holy places?

Mr. Speaker

That is a hypothetical question.