UN Palestine Commission – Security measures in Palestine – Communication from United Kingdom

5 March 1948

UNITED NATIONS PALESTINE COMMISSION

Communication Received from United Kingdom

Delegation art Security Pleasures in Palestine

The following communication, concerning questions in the House of Commons on security measures in Palestine has been received from Mr. Trafford Smith of the United Kingdom Delegation.

C

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UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Empire State

New York 1, N.Y.

4th March, 1948

My Dear Bunche:

I enclose a copy of the text of a Question and Answer in the House of Commons on 3rd March on the subject of security measures in Palestine.

Yours sincerely,

(Signed)

(Trafford Smith)

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche

Principal Secretary to the United Nations

Commission on Palestine,

United Nations,

Lake Success.

Begins.

Mr. Henderson Stewart to ask the Minister of Defence, in view of the increasing lawlessness and outrage in Palestine, what changes of policy in the operation of British Security Forces have been, or are about to be, imposed.

Mr. Alexander: As I explained in the House on 24th February, in answering the Right Honourable Member for Warwick and Leamington, the responsible authorities both civil and military already had full power to take any steps which appear to these necessary either for the protection of the lives of British service personnel in Palestine or for enabling the British forces to discharge their duties.

Mr. Henderson Stewart: Are we to understand then that despite the increasing gravity of the situation and the increasing loss of British life the Government have taken steps and are proposing to take no steps in the future to tighten up our Security Forces in Palestine?

Mr. Alexander: That question betrays a complete misconception of the position.

We have very considerable forces in Palestine; we have a responsible High Commissioner and a very efficient commander in Chief. We have already assured the House that they have our full support and that whatever representations they make to us will be most carefully considered. I to not think we want to have driving directions given from the bet seat.

Earl Winterton: Dees the protection to which the Right Honourable Gentlemen referred extent to bringing an action for seditious libel against Mr. Abrahams or Abrams who has accused the British Army or police of being responsible for the recent outrage. Will he give further consideration to putting this matter in the hands of the public prosecutor.

Mr. Alexander: I will certainly bring that to the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies whose administrative function it is.

Ends: