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Britain Knew Unwisdom of Withdrawing Palestine Force

January 12, 1930
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The British government was warned of the unwishdom of denuding Palestine of troops, but with the urge for economy, the government decided to take the risk, writes Major General Sir Frederick Maurice, director of military operations of the Imperial General Staff from 1915 to 1918, in yesterday’s “Morning Post.” The cost of rushing troops and warships to Palestine during an emergency is equal to the cost of maintaining for many years a military garrison which might have prevented troubles, said Major-General Maurice. He added that improvisation is always more costly than preparation.

A reduction in the colonial garrison became possible because of the establishment of the air force, he pointed out, but the latter cannot defend its aerodromes now and occupy territory during serious trouble like that in Palestine and therefore depends on military help.

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