Political report of the Executive of the Jewish Agency submitted to the ... Zionist Congress and the ... session of the Council of the Jewish Agency · 1937-08-01 · 8.1937 · p. Seite 64

64 88. A memorandum was likewise prepared by the Executive., in which the anomalous position of Palestine as a country devoid of any means of self-protection in its external trade relations was discussed and remedies were suggested. The memorandum served as a basis for the submissions of the Palestine Jewish orange interests to the Permanent Mandates Commission for a re-interpretation of Article 18 of the Mandate which, as at present construed, prevents Palestine from taking advantage of its large imports in order to further the interests of its export trade. A joint Committee was established by the Executive, with the participation of the various economic associations interested in matters of tariff policy, for the purpose of coordinating their activities and working out a unified policy. MISCELLANEOUS 89. The Political Department continued to maintain close contact with the Vaad Leumi by exchange of information and frequent consultations which ensured coordinated action. During the critical period a representative of the Vaad Leumi regularly attended the meetings of the Executive Plenary sessions of the Vaad Leumi and special regional conferences convened by it during the disturbances were addressed by the representatives of the Jewish Agency and afforded a useful opportunity for transmitting information which could not otherwise be supplied and for hearing reports of the position in the localities. Twice during the disturbances the Executive itself convened general conferences of the representatives of the Jewish population in which it rendered account of its work and received suggestions for action. The Political Department assisted the Vaad Leumi, whenever called upon, in its negotiations with the Government regarding the grants-in-aid to the Jewish health and education services. 90. Friendly contacts were established with the Central Committee of the Agudath Israel with whom from time to time joint consultations were held to ensure a united Jewish front. 91. Assistance was rendered to the Municipality of Tel Aviv, in its contacts with the Government and otherwise, as well as to other Jewish municipal bodies. The Political Department intervened, in response to the call of the Jewish Municipal Councillors in Jeru-'