British, So. African Boards of Jewish Deputies Refuse World Jewish Congress Affiliation

An attempt to have the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the South African Board of Jewish Deputies affiliate themselves with the World Jewish Congress was made here at the conference of Jewish leaders representing organizations in various British Commonwealth countries, but failed.

The attempt was made by a Jewish delegate from Australia who presented a formal proposal to this effect, following a debate on the question of establishing cooperation among all Jewish organizations for common action on the international scene. This proposal was opposed by delegates representing the South African Board of Jewish Deputies. The latter suggested instead the creation of a kind of “clearing house” to ensure cooperation among leading Jewish organizations, especially in connection with their work at the United Nations.

Speaking on behalf of the Agudas Israel world organization, H.A. Goodman also told the conference that the Agudah–which is one of the Jewish groups enjoying a consultative status at the United Nations–is prepared to cooperate with all other Jewish bodies in activities concerning international Jewish action. However, the Agudah would not merge with any other organization, he emphasized.

The conference decided to convene next Thursday a meeting of leaders of the five Jewish organizations which enjoy consultative status at the United Nations. The meeting will discuss the setting up of machinery for constant consultation among the five groups.