HC Deb 27 November 1950 vol 481 cc790-1
62. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps His Majesty's Government is taking to assist the Government of Jordania in dealing with the 5,648 Arab refugees who have been forcibly expelled from Israel since May, 1950, and particularly with the survivors of the 117 incursions of Israeli troops into Jordanian territory which resulted in the loss of many Arab lives.

Mr. Ernest Davies

According to my information, all genuine refugees are dealt with by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency irrespective of the date or the circumstances of their departure from Israel. His Majesty's Government's contribution to the funds of this Agency included an interest-free loan of £1 million to the Government of Jordan for development projects which will be of direct benefit to the refugees, and the sterling equivalent of 6.2 million dollars.

Major Legge-Bourke

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that as late as 2nd November this year two children, who were refugees from Israel, were murdered in cold blood in no-man's-land by Israeli troops? Can he not assist the Jordanians by preventing these incursions into their territory?

Mr. Davies

The responsibility for investigating and taking action about such incursions is that of the Mixed Armistice Commission. At the United Nations only recently, a resolution was sponsored jointly by us and others to draw the attention of the Commission to such actions as have been taking place, and asking the Commission to take further action.

Mr. Janner

Will my hon. Friend make it clear that these insinuations, which are not based upon any facts at all, are very dangerous, that they are inconsistent with the real position, and that approaches have been made to the United Nations with regard to Jordan's treatment of refugees and children? Will my hon. Friend also discourage this type of Question?

Mr. Davies

It is not within my power to discourage this type of Question. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of all the allegations which are made. It is the responsibility of the Commission which is on the spot to investigate such allegations, and not the responsibility of His Majesty's Government.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the hon. Gentleman consider passing to his hon. Friend the Member for Leicester North-West (Mr. Janner) the two photographs which I have here, of the bodies of these children?