THE BRITISH DECLARATION AND ITS RECEPTION
November 2nd, 1917, marks the end of a chapter in Zionist history: it is Declaration Day.
The following are the terms of the letter to Lord Rothschild in which Mr. A. J. Balfour, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, declared the sympathy of the British Government with Zionist aspirations and its favourable attitude towards the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people:—
“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 sincerely,
“(Signed) Arthur James Balfour.”