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British Government Denies Offer of Troops to U.N. Administration of Jerusalme

February 17, 1948
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The Foreign Office today categorically denied reports that Britain is prepared to place troops at the disposal of the international regime of the city of Jerusalem, following partition.

A spokesman declared that under no circumstances would such a course be taken, “We are very concerned about the fate of the Holy City,” he said, “but this cannot be allowed to interfere with evacuation plans.” He asserted that the British Government’s attitude toward partition has not been altered. Referring to Britain’s contribution toward the drafting of an international statute for Jerusalem, he stressed that Britain made such a contribution as a member of the Trusteeship Council, not because of her attitude toward the implementation of partition.

If any British troops or police desire to serve under the U.N., the spokesman stated, they could do so on an individual basis as volunteers, after they had been discharged from the service.

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