§ 18. Mr. Frederic Harrisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken to safeguard the interests of British companies whose assets were appropriated by the Jewish authorities in Palestine after the outbreak of hostilities.
Mr. McNeilA number of firms and persons have intimated that they may have claims to advance. Their attention has been drawn to a notice published in the Board of Trade Journal of 2nd October, 1948, in which it was stated that "His Majesty's Government will make every effort to ensure that the proper claims of British subjects are expeditiously dealt with by whatever authority becomes responsible in Palestine." Meanwhile they were advised to "prepare their cases with all possible care" with a view to eventual "presentation of all proper claims to the appropriate authorities in Palestine."
15 Following de facto recognition of the Government of Israel, the whole question of claims and of British property interests will now be considered in connection with various other financial and economic questions which will require settlement between His Majesty's Government and the Israeli Government.
§ Mr. HarrisNow that an appointment has been made, can guidance be given to the companies concerned so that this can be followed up most energetically? Many companies are in deep distress over the situation, as can be fully understood.
Mr. McNeilWe should be glad to help, but I should not think any further instructions than those issued in the publication to which I have referred are needed at this time.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingWhen the companies in question have formulated claims, will the Foreign Office assist those companies in forwarding their claims, or will they be dealt with by the Foreign Office itself?
Mr. McNeilWe shall be glad to advise, but I am told that the usual procedure in such circumstances is that the Government of Israel would set up an agency through which dealings would be made.