HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 cc555-6
43. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the number of Arab refugees from Palestine has increased since 9th November; and what additional States have agreed to subscribe for their relief.

Mr. Mayhew

No official estimate of numbers of the Arab refugees from Palestine has yet been issued by the United Nations Relief Authority. The figure is reliably reported to be as high as 750,000. Paid up contributions to the United Nations Relief for Palestine Refugees over and above the contribution of £1,000,000 being made by the United Kingdom, amount to 1,100,000 dollars, but details are not yet available of the individual countries which have subscribed. Contributions have been promised by the Governments of France, United States of America, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia, Guatemala and Afghanistan.

Mr. Reid

May I ask whether the Soviet Government have contributed anything?

Mr. Mayhew

No contribution has been received yet.

Mr. H. Hynd

Can my hon. Friend say how many Arab countries have contributed to this fund?

Mr. Mayhew

A number of Arab Governments have made substantial contributions towards solving this problem, but I have not the figures with me now.