HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 cc214-5W
79. Dr. Segal

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of a categorical promise given on behalf of the Government of Kenya, that all the detainees of Gilgil Camp would be allowed to leave Kenya by 15th June, 1948; and why this promise has been broken.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Arrangements made for these men to leave Kenya within one month of the end of the Mandate, in accordance with an undertaking which the Government of Kenya had been authorised by His Majesty's Government to give, were suspended in view of the negotiations for a cease fire in Palestine. Count Bernadotte was asked to give his views on their repatriation and has now replied that he does not consider the cease fire terms affect the question as these men are not immigrants but are normal residents in Palestine. Arrangements for their return to Palestine as rapidly as possible will therefore now be made.