Supporters and Opponents of World Jewish Congress Debate Affiliation Issue in London

The struggle between supporters and opponents of the World Jewish Congress at the conference here of Jewish leaders from the British Commonwealth led to heated debates at a closed session of the parley today.

The outcome of today’s debate on the question of affiliation with the World Jewish Congress will affect a decision which is to be taken tomorrow with regard to the cooperation sought between all Jewish organizations enjoying consultative status at the United Nations. A joint conference of representatives of all these organizations has been summoned for tomorrow.

One of the South African delegates today predicted that none of the Jewish groups engaged in international work will give way to the other groups. “It must, therefore, be assumed that all will continue to operate,” he said. On the other hand, the South African delegation, which is the largest from the Dominions, is pressing strongly for greater coordination of efforts of the Jewish organizations, especially in presenting the Jewish case to international bodies.

At present the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the South African Board of Jewish Deputies and the B’nai B’rith enjoy joint representation, as a consultative body on the U.N. Economic and Sccial Council, while the Canadian and Australian representative Jewish bodies are affiliated with the World Jewish Congress. Delegates from Jewish organizations in India and New Zealand attending the Commonwealth parley indicated that they are inclined to keep out altogether from international obligations.