Texts were made public here today of cables exchanged between Label-Katz, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations–popularly known as “the Presidents’ Conference”–and Israel Prime Minister David Ben Gurion in connection with the statement issued jointly by Mr. Ben-Gurion and Jacob Blaustein, honorary president of the American Jewish Committee, clarifying relations between Israel and Jewish communities in other countries.
Mr. Katz indicated regret over the fact that Prime Minister Ben-Gurion made his statement jointly with a leader of a single Jewish organization at a time when there is close cooperation on Israeli matters with the President’s Conference. Mr. Ben Gurion replied that the new statement is only a reaffirmation of a declaration published ten years ago and “does not detract in the slightest from the accomplishments and the important role of the Presidents’ Conference. ” He promised “continued cooperation” with the Presidents’ Conference.
Mr. Katz’s cable to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion reads:
“On behalf of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations I convey these expressions of sincere regrets for the confusions and controversy that have evolved from the recent publication of a statement ascribed jointly to an individual affiliated with an American Jewish Organization and your good self.
“I had the honor to review with you in Jerusalem last July the role of the Presidents Conference as a consultative and coordinative body of 18 constituent organizations that has for its singular concern the encouragement and advancement of harmonious and productive interrelationships between the American Jewish community and the people of Israel. As such, the Presidents Conference is regarded as the most representative component of the American Jewish community in this area of activity.
“While no single Jewish movement can properly identify itself as spokesman for the diverse and wholly voluntary elements, comprising the American Jewish community, I respectfully invited your attention to the significance of 18 leading Jewish Organizations engaged in a program of voluntary unity in matters which are of particular interest to the people and to the State of Israel. In this connection, His Excellency the Israel Ambassador to the United States and other representatives of the people of Israel have maintained close and cooperative relationships with the Presidents Conference.
“I further respectfully note that on May 2 an official delegation of the Presidents Conference had the honor to confer with our Secretary of State on matters of interest to the purpose of the Presidents Conference. Believe me Mr. Prime Minister we acknowledge the affirmative concepts that motivated the published statement and in fact, have always regarded the principle it espouses as reflective of both your sentiments and the American Jewish community, without need for any special articulation. Permit me also to assure you that the Presidents Conference is ready to continue its role of furthering a spirit of good and creative relationships between the Jewish community of our respective nations.”
Prime Minister Ben-Gurion’s cabled reply to Mr. Katz reads:
“The statement by myself and Mr. Blaustein does not detract in the slightest from the accomplishments and the important role of the Presidents Conference whose function I greatly appreciate and esteem. The statement does not purport to determine the status or importance of any group or organization. It’s only purpose is to make clear that the agreed declaration we published 10 years ago remains in force except for one reservation which I added: namely, that there are differences of opinion on the nature of Judaism within the American Jewish community as well as between Jewish communities in various countries and in particular between the Jews of Israel and the Jews in the Diaspora.
“I am happy to note that the contents of the statement meet your views. The American Jewish Committee had complained of statements recently made by some representatives of the Israel Government which were considered incompatible with the agreement. I repeat the statement did not confer any special status on any individual body or person, and should have no bearing on the fruitful relationship existing between the Presidents Conference and Israel representatives. As I say it was only meant to remove misunderstandings. I am confident of continued cooperation and understanding between us in accordance with your assurance which I fully reciprocate on my part.”
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