The Jewish National Council today concluded an eight hour session with the adoption of the unanimous resolution that its chairman, Pinchas Rutenberg, should go to London as soon as possible to participate in the negotiations with the British government, provided the negotiations are not based on the White Paper. While it is understood that Rutenberg is reluctant to go it is believed that he will comply with the Council’s desires provided the government’s reply to the Jewish Agency’s representations is favorable and if the special American delegates, Professor Felix Frankfurter, and Bernard Flexner also come to London.
The Council’s sentiment toward the negotiations is believed to be somewhat divided. The general Zionists, the Mizrachi, and the Farmers are opposed to any conversations so long as the White Paper remains in force, while the Laborites are anxious that Rutenberg should represent the Council in London. The latter believe, however, that the conversations can at best result only in a substantial modification of the White Paper policy.
It is reported that Chaim Arlosoroff and Berl Katzenelson have withdrawn from participation in negotiations following Rutenberg’s instructions.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.