Agro-joint, J.D.C. Agency, Asked by Soviet Government to Assume Responsibility for Palestine Emigrat

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The Agro-Joint, the agency of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which is carrying on the work of settling Jewish families on the land in Russia, was asked by the Soviet Government whether the Agro-Joint would accept responsibility for the work of the Palestine Offices, the agencies supervising the emigration of Zionists from Russia to Palestine, according to reports received here from Moscow.

The proposal to the Agro-Joint was made following the granting of consent by the Soviet Commissariat of the Interior to enact legislation permitting Palestine Emigration Offices to be opened in the Soviet Republics. This matter has been under the consideration of the Commissariat for a number of months. A difficulty appears in view of the fact that the Zionist World Organization has not been officially recognized by the Soviet Government. Because of this, the Agro-Joint was asked to assume responsibility for the Palestine Offices. Should the Agro-Joint be unable to assume this responsibility, the Ica, the Jewish Colonization Association, which is doing relief work among the Jewish population in Russia, will be asked to undertake the responsibility.

In connection with this proposal, leaders of the Agro-Joint have called to the attention of the Russian authorities that the Jewish reconstruction work carried on in Russia by the organization cannot be considered as being in competition with Palestine and that the Agro-Joint workers place no obstacles in the way of those who wish to emigrate to Palestine.

During the month of November 900 Jews left Russia for Palestine. Six hundred left during October.

In reply to an inquiry at the headquarters of the United Jewish Campaign, it was stated that the headquarters had received no official notification of the request made by the Soviet Government and that an inquiry would be directed to Moscow.