HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 cc331-2W
Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the offer by the Jews to raise, train, equip and pay fully mechanised divisions of Jewish troops, subject to a British guarantee of the equipment loan, has been considered by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. Eden

I am not aware of an offer in the form given in the Question, but various offers of military assistance have been received from the Jewish authorities. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government, the raising of separate Jewish formations would present great difficulties, and it would be of much more advantage if Jews who are anxious to serve would enlist in His Majesty's Forces in the ordinary way.