§ 73. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for War what special security precautions have been taken in 215W the Canal Zone to reduce the risk of murderous attacks being made on British troops.
§ Mr. HeadVarious security measures, such as the guarding of installations, escorting of vehicles and the setting up of traffic control posts, have been in force for some time. These measures are varied as the situation demands and at present certain of them have been intensified. I do not wish to give details.
§ 74. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for War what incidents involving violence to British troops have taken place in the Canal Zone since the beginning of the year.
§ Mr. HeadI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State to Questions on this subject yesterday.
§ 75. Mr. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement regarding the circumstances in which three British soldiers were recently murdered in the Canal Zone.
§ Mr. HeadMy right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State gave details of the first incident in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Handsworth (Sir E. Boyle) yesterday. The other most deplorable incident was the murder of two British soldiers on 21st January. These men were employed at the Nefeisha railway marshalling yards, with the full agreement of the Egyptian authorities, on the inspection of War Department freight wagons.
On a report by the Egyptian police, an investigation was made by the Royal Military Police and the two men were
— 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 University graduates … … … 14 6 4 17 10 Graduates of military colleges … … 1,476 1,036 453 778 857 Direct from the ranks … … … 350 260 131 168 307 Others … … … … … 221 102 52 58 86