§ 74. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what military, diplomatic and administrative action is being taken to safeguard the Christian Holy places in Palestine during the present troubled period; and to ensure their permanent future preservation for the use of the Christian communities and as monuments of artistic and historical importance.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsMy right hon. Friend is satisfied that the authorities in Palestine are taking all necessary action to safeguard the Holy Places in Palestine and will continue to do so until we surrender the Mandate. No machinery yet exists for the discharge of these responsibilities after the surrender of the Mandate. The plan for the partition of Palestine approved by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House, nevertheless provides that protection of the Holy Places in the proposed 209W City of Jerusalem shall be a special concern of the Governor of Jerusalem. He will also exercise certain powers in respect of other Holy Places in Palestine, designed to ensure that religious interests in them are properly respected.