Oral Answers to Questions — Palestine. – in the House of Commons at on 9 April 1941.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in order to rid Palestine of Nazi Aryan settlers, whose continued residence there is generally not desired, he will extend to males of military age his proposed scheme for an exchange of internees between Germany and Palestine?
Mr R.A. Butler
, Saffron Walden
It is contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government to repatriate male enemy nationals of military age. I regret therefore that the right hon. Member's suggestion cannot be entertained.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood
, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Will the right hon. Gentleman say how this exchange is going on, and whether it is a fair exchange?
Mr R.A. Butler
, Saffron Walden
I can only limit my answer to the original answer I gave, that is, that it would be contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government to repatriate enemy nationals of military age. To that extent no exchange has taken place.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
