Dr. Silver Seeks to Avert Split in Ranks of World Organization of General Zionists

An attempt to head off a possible split between the “A” and “B” factions within the General Zionist movement will be made here by Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learned today. Commenting on the decision of the “A” group last night to abstain from participation in the sessions of the World Confederation of General Zionists opening here Wednesday, Dr. Silver said:

“Upon the establishment of Israel, an obligation has fallen on the shoulders of the General Zionist movement–we must organize Zionists in the Diaspora and prepare them for immigration to Israel. We must also give them agricultural and other training. The General Zionists must organize funds for Israel, We must now have two centers–one in Jerusalem, to handle immigration, settlement and absorption; and the other in the United States, to supervise the organization of the Zionist movement in the Diaspora and the handling of economic problems connected with Israel,” A split at this time between the “A” and “B” factions in the General Zionist ranks must be avoided since it would greatly weaken the whole movement, he emphasized.

At the session in which they voted not to participate in the world-wide parley, the “A” General Zionists also decided to negotiate with the General Zionist Laborites, the Aliyah Hadashah and a part of the General Zionist “B” group with a view towards establishing a “progressive Zionist movement.” A committee was named to prepare for discussions with these groups.

The main causes for the possible rift in the General Zionist ranks are economic, particularly those concerning the agricultural set-up in Israel and the “responsibilities of employers” towards their employees. The “A” group, which is politically more Left than the “B” group, is headed by Interior Minister Dr. Itzhak Gruanbaum.

Addressing a large crowd last night here–and making his initial public appearance–Menachem Beigin, Irgun Zvai Leumi chief, demanded that the Israeli Government abolish the emergency defense regulations under which five Irgunists are at present being detained. After asking his audience for a hand vote as to whether they agreed with his views, all those present raised their hands.