ISRAEL STATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26783, 28 May 1948, Page 5

ISRAEL STATE

BRITISH RECOGNITION CLARIFYING OF SITUATION AWAITED N.Z.P.A.—Copyright LONDON, May 26. The British Government will not make a decision on the recognition of Israel until the situation becomes much clearer. This statement was made by the Foreign Secretary, Mr Ernest Bevin, to a question in the House of Commons. Mr Bevin, replying to further questions, said that 37 British officers were serving with the Arab Legioh. Thirteen of them were civilians on contract to the Transjordan Government, and the remainder were seconded from the British forces under the Transjordan Treaty, the obligations of which would cease only if fulfilment became inconsistent with obligations to the United Nations. Mr Anthony Eden asked Mr Bevin whether any British officers were in operation against the Jews in Jerusalem. . , . Mr Bevin said he understood that two persons had been involved in New Jerusalem. They had been withdrawn and there were npne in the Old City. Mr S. S. Silverman (Lab.) asked: “Is it fitting that a uniformed force paid for by British money, wearing uniforms, and carrying British equipment, should shell holy places? Mr R. R. Stokes (Lab.) shouted: “ tVhat is the extent of American support of the Jews?” The Speaker closed the discussion after Mr Bevin had stated that- no British officers were employed in directing artillery in the bombardment of Jerusalem. _ Mr A. V. Alexander, the Defence Minister, told a questioner that while the withdrawal of British troops from Palestine had reduced Britain s local commitments, it” did not affect her strategic interests in Middle East security and stability.