The Jewish Agency in Palestine before 1948 (Nakba), British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 909. Chapter XXII: Community And Religious Affairs: Section 3: The Zionist Organization and The Jewish Agency: (b)

CHAPTER XXII.

The delegates are elected by the direct vote of individual shekelholders who are over 18 years of age. The electoral system is that of proportional representation based on nomination lists submitted by each party and containing' several names of candidates. The seats- are distributed among the successful parties in proportion to the votes obtained, and are allotted within the several parties to candidates in the order in which they are named in the list.

(b) The Jewish Agency tor Palestine.

82. Article 4 of the Mandate for Palestine makes provision as follows for the recognition of a Jewish Agency:

"An appropriate Jewish agency shall be recognised as a public body for the purpose of advising and cooperating with the Administration of Palestine in such economic, social and other matters as may affect the establishment of the Jewish national home and the interests of the Jewish population in Palestine, and subject always lo the control of the Administration, to assist and take part in the development of the country.

The Zionist Organisation, so long as its organization and constitution are in the opinion of the Mandatory appropriate, shall be recognised as such agency. It shall take steps in consultation with His Britannic Majesty's Government to secure the co-operation of all Jews who are willing to assist in the establishment of the Jewish National Home."

83. After ten years of negotiations between Zionists and non.7iionist Jews, an agreement was reached between these two sections of the Jewish community and formally confirmed at the Zionist Congress in 1929. This agreement resulted in the creation of the enlarged Jewish Agency for Palestine, which was officially recognised by His Majesty's Government in a letter dated the 6th August, 1030, sent from the Colonial Office at the direction of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The text of this letter is as follows:-

"Sir,

I am directed by Lord Passfield to refer to your letter of the 16th September, 1929, transmitting a copy of the Agreement embodying the constitution of the Jewish Agency for Palestine which was signed at Zurich on the 14th of August, 1929, and to inform you that practical recognition of the enlarged Jewish Agency has in fact already been accorded by the Colonial Office and the Government of Palestine. But, as it is understood that formal recognition is desired, I am hereby to convey to you notification of the fact that His Majesty's Government are prepared to recognise the enlarged Jewish Agency constituted by the Agreement enclosed in your letter under reference as the Agency referred to in Article 4 of the Mandate for Palestine.

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