Response to Henri: Balfour and his bowler hat

Submitted by Walter Manchur (Canada), Aug 14, 2005 at 02:30

Contrary to Henri's assertion that I had a sacred belief in the right of a Scottish-born bowler hatted Earl to decide the fate of Palestine; I actually came by the information by studying the History of Palestine and reading several books on the subject. For the sake of brevity, I made reference to the Balfour Declaration (assuming that anyone with an interest in the history of the Middle East, would be familiar with this document) without providing some detail in my previous communication, which I now wish to correct.

The British delayed formal recognition of the renewed Jewish national liberation movement in Palestine until the success of General Allenby's invasion of Palestine seemed certain. Then on November 2, 1917, with approval from its cabinet and the United States, the British Government published a "statement of policy" that became known as the Balfour Declaration.

Balfour Declaration
His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a National Home for the Jewish People, and will use their best endeavors 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 country.

It should be obvious to all that Lord Balfour did not on a whim author a personal declaration, rather he was, as a member of the British Parliament, expressing a policy approved by the British Government and the Government of the United States. This is verifiable history and not a sacred personal belief.

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