The name of Mr. Albert M. Hyamson, at present Director of the Department of Immigration in the Palestine Government, the J.T.A. understands, has been put forward for appointment as a Secretary of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Joint Foreign Committee, in succession to Mr. J. M. Rich, who is now editor of the Jewish Chronicle”, by the members of the Selection Committee appointed by the Jewish Board of Deputies at its meeting held on December 20th., consisting of Mr. O. E. d’Avigdor Goldsmid, the President of the Board, Mr. Leonard G. Montefiore, President of the Anglo-Jewish Association and joint President with Mr. d’Avigder Goldsmid of the Joint Foreign Committee, Major Isidore Salmon, M. P., Mr. Lionel L. Cohen, K.C., Dr. M. Epstein, and Mr. B. S. Straus.
The recommendation of the Sub-Committee was to have come before the meeting of the Board of Deputies which has been called for Sunday, the 17th. inst., but considerable opposition has been expressed by members of the Board, the J.T.A. learns, on the ground that Mr. Hyamson’s record as Chief Immigration Officer in Palestine would make his appointment extremely unpopular to Zionists and supporters of the Palestine work, and it has also been urged that Mr. Hyamson is not in possession of all the qualifications, specified by the Board in inviting applications for the post.
In consequence of this opposition, it is understood, the question is being removed from the agenda of the next meeting of the Board.
The Joint Foreign Committee, it is learnt, held a meeting last night to consider the recommendation of the Selection Sub-Committee, and decided by seven votes against five to endorse the choice of Mr. Hyamson for the post. At the same time, however, it is understood that efforts are being made to induce the Selection Sub-Committee to reconsider its recommendation, with a view to selecting a candidate who would be acceptable to all representatives on the Board.
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