Post by Diarist on Sept 20, 2017 9:01:37 GMT 1
It is now Sunday and that means it's been a week since my talks in Paris. My conversation with David Ben Gurion didn't last long. I informed him of the talks with the French yesterday and after a late lunch with General Howard I flew to RAF Zerqa with Orde and Thomas. We were met by MG Frederik Peake, the commander of the Arab Legion.
"Welcome to Transjordan, gentlemen. Sir Robert, I'd like to thank you for the arms we have been receiving since your last visit. The Arab Legion is now three brigades strong and a fourth brigade is forming."
"How many of your battalions are motorized?" I asked him.
"Two plus a battalion of camel cavalry."
"Excellent. May I suggest that they be reserved for a possible relief force for RAF Hinaidi if a situation there arises?"
"We already have that in mind, Sir Robert. Does the British Army presence in Eilat suggest that we shouldn't be overly concerned about a possible threat from the south?"
"You could presume that, Frederik. They are part of the 51st Highlanders but unfortunately they will be leaving for home in the summer. I hope to convince Secretary Churchill to send another division here to replace them."
"Well, the Emir is pleased to see more British support in the region. I'm here to bring you to him at the Palace."
"...and that's why we are here."