§ 40. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what requests were received from the Egyptian authorities which led to the shooting down of British airmen by Israeli pilots over the Negev; and whether this was done on the authority of the local R.A.F. commander before or after consultation with Whitehall.
§ Mr. MayhewNo request was received from the Egyptian authorities in regard to the reconnaissance flights carried out by R.A.F. aircraft over Egyptian territory adjacent to Palestine. But these 75W flights were made in accordance with the rights, and with regard to the responsibilities, of His Majesty's Government. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air explained to the House on 19th January, His Majesty's Government ordered these reconnaissance flights but operational details were the responsibility of the Air Commander-in-Chief.