§ 49. Dr. Strossasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the situation of the Arab refugees in the Gaza area, and give as full an account as possible of the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency's staff during and after the attack on Gaza by the Israeli forces.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerMy information is that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has resumed its relief services in Gaza on a satisfactory scale after the temporary withdrawal of its staff from the area for five hours on the outbreak of hostilities.
The Director-General of the Agency visited the area on 4th November. He believes that there are sufficient food supplies for the registered refugee population of 214,000 to satisfy their needs for at least four weeks. It is reported that he has reached an agreement with the Israeli military authorities to safeguard United Nations Relief and Works Agency operations in the area, and that this has now been embodied in an Exchange of Letters of which I have asked for details.
47WThe care of the refugees, therefore, continues in the hands of the staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
§ 50. Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the details of the agreement signed by Mr. Labouise, of Beirut, on behalf of United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and the military commander of the Israeli troops in the Gaza area, concerning the welfare of the Arab refugees.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerDetails of the agreement reported to have been signed by Mr. Labouise and the Israel Chief of Staff have not yet been received.