 |
|
|
The
Balfour Declaration
Theodor
Herzl had first approached the British for assistance in establishing
a Jewish state in 1902, but did not meet with success. In 1914,
the internationally renowned chemist Chaim Weizmann, acting on
behalf of the World Zionist organization, resumed negotiations
with Lord Balfour, the British foreign secretary. After lengthy
discussions, Balfour expressed British support for the Zionist
project in this letter sent to Lord Lionel Rothschild.
|
 |
Foreign Office
November 2, 1917
Dear Lord
Rothschild,
I have much pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of
His Majesty's Government, the following declaration of
sympathy with Jewish Zionist aspirations which has been
submitted to, and approved by, the Cabinet.
His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment
in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people,
and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement
of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing
shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious
rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine,
or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in
any other country.
I should be grateful if you would bring this declaration
to the knowledge of the Zionist Federation.
Yours,
James Balfour
|
|
DOCUMENT
SOURCE
|
FURTHER
READING |
 |
|
