§ 36. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the attacks on the Jordanian villages of Falama and Rantis by Israeli troops on 23rd and 28th to 29th January last, involving the slaughter of at least 10 Arabs, of whom seven were women and children; and what steps he proposes taking, through the United Nations or otherwise.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydYes, Sir. I have received reports of these attacks, which I heartily deplore. I have not full details of the casualties, though I am sorry to 23 say that, according to information received, at least three Arabs were killed and 10 or 12 wounded, including women and children.
It is the responsibility of the Mixed Armistice Commission and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation to investigate such incidents, and, if necessary, to communicate their findings to the United Nations Security Council. I am informed that the Mixed Armistice Commission has by majority vote, after investigating these attacks, held the Israeli Government responsible for these breaches of the Armistice Agreement.
§ Major Legge-BourkeHas my right hon. and learned Friend any information which points to the fact that the ammunition used in this battalion attack on the second night was of British origin, especially in view of the fact that Piat bombs and Bren guns were used on that occasion?
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider using these events as an opportunity to remind the Arab States that they have resisted the attempt on the part of the United Nations to bring peace to the Middle East? Does he not think, in view of these events, that it would be a useful thing if we could reverse the policy which the Government are at present pursuing, and deny the supply of arms to any of the countries in the Middle East?
§ Mr. LloydI doubt whether the hon. Gentleman heard my answer in regard to the responsibility for these particular incidents. The Government have made representations to the Israeli Government, but we have, however, also counselled moderation on the part of Jordan.
§ Mr. JannerWhen the right hon. and learned Gentleman is considering this matter will he also consider the question of the constant infiltration of the Arabs from Jordan into Israel and of their depredations? Will he read the article of Glubb Pasha in "The Times" today, in which this is openly admitted, and in which he talks about some of these infiltrees—[HON. MEMBERS; "Oh."]—infiltrators, if hon. Members like—not being criminally inclined, and see that the 24 derailment of trains and other attacks by Jordan marauders will be stopped?
§ Mr. LloydWe have no evidence that this infiltration is connived at or encouraged by the Jordan Government. There is some explanatory reason for such infiltration that takes place in that people living on the Jordan side of the frontier are, in many cases, separated from their former lands and their relatives.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill my right hon. and learned Friend give consideration to the possibility of raising in the United Nations an alternative proposal to the Mixed Armistice Commission, which seems quite incapable of preventing these appalling incidents from happening?