Bond Leaders to Confer with Ben Gurion on Their Resignations

A delegation of State of Israel bond organization leaders will be leaving New York on Sunday to confer with the Premier David Ben Gurion and his associates in Jerusalem on problems of relationship between the Israel Government and the bond organization, it was announced here today by Henry Morgenthau, chairman of the board of governors of the bond organization in the United States.

The principal officers of the Israel bond organization had previously advised the Israel Government of their intention to terminate their leadership of the activity for the sale of Israel bonds in the United States. In his response, Israel’s Prime Minister David Ben Gurion invited the bond leaders to come to Israel. He hailed Mr. Morgenthau and his associates for their “unprecedented achievement” in making possible the “sale of $150,000,000 of Israel Bonds in as little as 19 months, despite the most difficult obstacles and complications,” and urged them to “continue your indispensible efforts until our goal is reached.”

The discussions to be held in Israel regarding the future relationships with the American Bond effort will be led by Henry Montor, vice-president of the American Financial and Development Corporation for Israel, which sponsors the Israel bond issue, Julian B. Venezky, chairman of its executive committee, Samuel Rothberg, chairman for special sales, Joel Gross, counsel, and Sidney Green, financial adviser.

“The invitation addressed to Mr. Montor and myself by the Prime Minister of Israel to come to Israel for discussions is deeply appreciated,” Mr. Morgenthau said. “Unfortunately, due to the state of my health, I am unable to avail myself of the invitation to make the trip to Israel. Mr. Montor and the other officers who are going to Israel with him, will be able to carry on the discussions in the light of our common views.”

Mr. Ben Gurion in his cable emphasized that he sees no reason why the bond leaders should tender their resignations. “Your effort is already showing appreciable benefits in the development of our natural resources, industry, power, communications and other fields,” the cable said. “The establishment of the State of Israel has been successfully accomplished. We have yet to win the second phase of our struggle by securing its existence on a sound founcation. I appeal to the entire American Jewry, and particularly its leaders, to rally all their as-istance and active support to achieve the goals of the Bond drive which are essential for Israel’s critical needs in strengthening her economy.”