by Arthur James Balfour 02-Nov-17

The Balfour Declaration was a letter from Arthur Balfour, the British foreign secretary, to Lionel Rothschild, one of the leaders of the Zionist movement. The letter formalized the support of the British government for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. During World War I, the declaration was supported by the major Allied powers.

Foreign Office

November 2nd, 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,

Arthur James Balfour