Balfour Declaration: The Balfour Declaration of 1917 (dated 2 November ) was a formal statement of policy by the British government stating that
"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."
At this time 95% of Palestine was Muslim & Christian and 5% Jewish and was governed by a local administration within the Ottoman empire.
The powerful British Empire thus declared that it intended to colonise Palestine in Asia and afterwards give it as a homeland to European Jews.
A committee established by the British in 1939 to clarify the various arguments observed that many commitments had been made during and after the war - and that all of them would have to be studied together.
“In the opinion of the Committee it is, however, evident from these statements that His Majesty's Government were not free to dispose of Palestine without regard for the wishes and interests of the inhabitants of Palestine, and that these statements must all be taken into account in any attempt to estimate the responsibilities which His Majesty's Government have incurred towards those inhabitants.”
Churchill wrote in 1919 "There are Jews whom we are pledged to introduce into Palestine and who take it for granted that the local population will be cleared out to suit their convenience.
Curchill was speaking about committed Zionists. Most Jews fleeing persecution were seeking safety and a new life . Many would prefer to come to Britain or go to American. They were not seeking to expel the Palestinians but Palestine was the only refuge left open to them.
Britains message to Jews fleeing Eastern Europe- Dont come here , go to Palestine.
Britains message to the Palestinians - As non-Jews in a Jewish homeland you will have no right to self determination and no political rights but we British and Zionists will protect your civil and religious rights.
Britain failed to protect even these limited rights for the Palestinians or even the more basic of rights - the right to ones own property or to live in ones own home.
To this day Britain has not defended Palestinian rights or accepted its reponsibility for their dreadful losses. Instead of acting for the reinstatement of Palestinian rights, Britain promotes the 'rights' of the Israeli occupier.
Note: -Balfour Declaration -what were the advantages to Britain? Why did Britain offer Palestine to the Zionists?.
1) to gain the support of American Jews in WW1
2) to have its own 'little ulster' in the middle east
3) to help limit Jewish immigration to Britain
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