HC Deb 21 January 1947 vol 432 cc15-6W
87. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the officer and non-commissioned officers who were flogged by Jewish terrorists were armed at the time they were kidnapped; and whether all men on or off duty in Palestine are now either armed or under armed guard.

Mr. Bellenger

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. In regard to the second part, the orders now in force are to the effect that all personnel will carry arms at all times except in certain areas where, in the opinion of the local commander, conditions do not make this order necessary.

90. Mr. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for War what special instructions have been issued to the British Armed Forces in Palestine forbidding them to use their weapons in self defence when they are jostled and suspect this may be the prelude to either kidnapping, flogging, or other violence.

Mr. Bellenger

No special instructions have been issued.