(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)
The question whether the Mediterranean oil pipe line would pass through Palestine was raised in the House of Commons today. Colonel Wedgwood asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the declaration made by King Feisul at Khanikin that an oil pipe line would be laid to the Mediterranean, this project was as yet being surveyed, if the pipe line will pass entirely through British mandated territory, and whether the terminus will be at Haifa as proposed.
Mr. Amery replied: “So far as I am aware, no survey of the pipe line has yet been begun.”
“May I ask,” Colonel Wedgwood continued, “whether it is not a fact that the oil at Khanikin belongs to the British Government and that a pipe line could be laid by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and whether the Colonial Secretary will see that the pipe line does come out at Haifa and not in French Territory.”
Mr. Amery replied that the Anglo Persian Oil Company was a commercial concern in which the British Government has an interest. The British Government would naturally prefer the outlet to be in British territory.
“Is it not understood that in the last resort the British Government could decide?” Col. Wedgwood asked.
No answer was given.
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