Louis Marshall Makes Statement Concerning Plan for Jewish Agency

In connection with the statement of Mr. Leon Levite published in Warsaw by the “Najer Haint” concerning the plan for the creation of the Jewish Agency, particularly with reference to the participation of the non-Zionists, Mr. Louis Marshall made today the following statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency:

“Regarding the alleged interview between Mr. Leon Levite and Dr. Weizmann with respect to the Jewish Agency, I wish to state that the statements contained there in are inaccurate. At the Non-Partisan Conference regarding Palestine, held some months ago, two committees were appointed, one relating to the organization of a finance or investment corporation, and the other to the Jewish Agency. The first of these committees has been diligently at work formulating its plans, which I trust will soon he made public.

“The second of these committees has also considered the subject referred to it and is in practical agreement with regard to some of the features of a plan, which would involve the participation of non-Zionists with Zionists in such Agency. Naturally the Agency interests not only the Jews of the United States and Canada, but also those of other parts of the world. The problem presented, therefore, necessitates the working out of an equitable plan of representation on the Agency of Zionists and non-Zionists of Europe as well as of America. When the work of the committee is concluded to its satisfaction, it will be necessary for us to reconvene the Non-Partisan Conference for the purpose of submitting the results of the committee’s study. There are, of course, many complications, and it will doubtless become necessary, as soon as a conclusion is reached, which is satisfactory to all concerned, that those who are selected as members of the Agency shall arrange for some method of cooperation in the performance of their duties. It would be entire premature to make any statement as to the number of representatives to be selected or as to just how the Agency would operate.

The article to which you have called my attention refers to a call to the Keren Hayesod for the collection of from forty to fifty million dollars covering a period of two years. Although this statement is placed in juxtaposition with the paragraph to which I am referred to, in view of the fact that I am not connected with the Keren Hayesod except as a contributor, I do not wish it to be understood that I am in any way concefned with the collection of such a fund as is suggested, or that I have any knowledge of any plans relating thereto. I may add that, because of the multiplicity of my other obligations. I could not undertake any responsibility with respect to the collection of funds required for the rebuilding of Palestine.”