§ 35. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures he is taking to facilitate the supply of food to Jerusalem between now and 15th May.
Mr. Creech JonesFood is available in Palestine for supply to Jerusalem as to other parts of the country. The problem is entirely one of distribution. The Arab inhabitants of the city, who rely on local supplies, are suffering no shortage. The Jewish inhabitants rely on food brought from the coastal plain by road. The only possible route is the Jaffa-Jerusalem road which for the last 37 kilometres winds through rough and hilly country. Traffic on this road is subject to Arab attack and the situation has recently deteriorated as a result of Jewish attempts to seize the Arab villages dominating this route. Until recently the road has been kept fairly clear by standing and mobile military and police patrols. Owing to the nature of the country large slow-moving convoys are difficult to escort with success. Last week, however, two large convoys came through and every effort will be made by the Palestine Government, both by negotiations with the 73W parties concerned, and by all other possible action should these negotiations fail, to ensure adequate food supplies for Jerusalem up to 15th May.