§ 37. Mr. Peytonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the plan laid down in the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations in May, 1947, for the future Government of Palestine still represents the aims and policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the United Nations General Assembly's Resolution of 29th November, 1947, which was the substantive Resolution on the United Nations plan for the partition of Palestine: The 1155 United Kingdom abstained on this Resolution. Her Majesty's Government's aims and policy on the Palestine question have been frequently stated, most recently in my speech in this House on 8th November.
§ Mr. PeytonCan my right hon. Friend tell the House what Her Majesty's Government intend to do now? This problem has been going on for far too long. Would he not agree that, except upon some basis such as that contained in the 1947 Resolution of the United Nations, there is no hope of any measure of justice for the Arabs? Would he not also agree that, unless there is a solution soon, this problem which is now intractable will become far more serious and more grave, and that both justice and self-interest demand early action?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI would not disagree with anything my hon. Friend has said. We have frequently stated—everybody in this House has stated—that this state of affairs has continued for far too long, and we have on numerous occasions done our very best to try to find a solution. I would also add that we think some consideration must be given to the November, 1947, Resolution when we are dealing with this matter.