Original Typed Letter Signed from Chaim Weizmann to Dr. Moses Gaster on the Occasion of Weizmann’s First Meeting With Arthur Balfour
December 16, 1914 · Manchester, England
by WEIZMANN, CHAIM
Manchester, England: 30 Brunswick Road, Withington, 1 page, quarto, December 16, 1914. An historic letter recording Weizmann’s reaction to meeting Arthur Balfour. A long and very interesting affair with all kinds of comments and discussion of Zionist matters and discussing such Jewish figures as Claude Montefiore, Dr. Tachlenow, and Mr. Lubarsky.This letter was written a few months after the beginning of World War I, a war none of the parties thought would be long lasting. The Zionist community in England sensed that this was a moment to push the movement ahead for the goal of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Weizmann writes Dr. Moses Gaster, Rabbi, superb orator,international scholar and writer, as well as head of the Zionist community in London. It was at Gaster’s house that meetings were held between the British Foreign Office and Zionist leaders before the issuance of the Balfour declaration. Sir Arthur Balfour, earlier Prime Minister was making his important return to leadership in the British government of David Lloyd George. Weizmann has just met Balfour and records his reactions to Gaster: “...Since I saw you last I has the privilege of an interview with Mr. Balfour on Saturday morning. Mr. Balfour was exceedingly sympathetic and genuinely interested. I have no doubt in my mind that when the time comes he may do something for us....” Balfour and other members of the British government were indeed sympathetic to the plight of international Jewry culminating in what is known as the Balfour Declaration, the first time a state had declared its support for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Written as a letter to Lord Rothschild on November 2, 1917, Balfour stated in the declaration: “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.” Weizmann’s reflection in letter present here did indeed hold true. A little rubbing, very good, written on Weizmann’s printed letterhead with red type. (Inventory #: 12595J)