An agreement establishing a special status for the Jewish Agency in its activities in Israel was formally signed today between the Israel Government and the Jewish Agency in the presence of members of the Cabinet and of the Agency’s executive. The ceremony took place in the chamber where the Israel Cabinet usually holds its meetings.
Signing for the Israel Government was Moshe Sharett, while Dr. Nahum Goldmann and Berl Locker, co-chairmen of the Jewish Agency executive, signed for the Agency. The agreement became effective immediately. A letter attached to the agreement provides that the chairman of the Jewish Agency shall hold the rank of Minister. Other members of the Agency executive will have the same rank as members of the Israel Parliament.
Under the provisions of the agreement, the Jewish Agency is entitled to carry on immigration, absorption and colonization work, as well as to establish new industrial enterprises in Israel and to enlarge old ones. It can also act to attract private investment from abroad to Israel. The government will provide the Agency with certain facilities, which are yet to be worked out as part of the agreement. Both the Israel Government and the Jewish Agency will have equal representation on a coordinating board which will deal with immigration and absorption problems.
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