Middle East Committee and Eastern Committee [‎3r] (5/42)

3
o
Ibn Sand.
Hit
Mr. Balfour stated that Dr. Weizmann had visited him on the
16th January, with a view to ascertaining his views with regard to
four special points regarding the possible duties and functions of the
Commission. These four points were embodied in a letter addressed
by Dr. Weizmann to Sir Mark Sykes, dated the 16th January,
copies of which were laid before the Committee.
Mr. Balfour stated that, as drafted. Dr. Weizmann’s letter
seemed to underline rather too definitely certain expressions of
approval and sympathy which he—Mr. Balfour—had made. He
thought therefore that a carefully worded reply should be sent to
Dr. Weizmann. In regard to one of the four points—the prevention
of speculation in land—Mr. Balfour felt very strongly that some
action should be taken, but that such action would have to be very
carefully considered in the light of advices received from Palestine.
The Committee approved of the despatch of the Zionist Com
mission, under the leadership of Dr. Weizmann, accompanied by a
specially detailed British Political Officer, with the following
objects :—
(1.) To help in establishing friendly relations between the Jews
on the one hand, and the Arabs and ocher non-Jewish
communities on the other.
(2.) To form a link between the British authorities and the
Jewish population in Palestine.
(3.) To help with relief work in Palestine, and to assist in the
repatriation of evacuated persons and refugees, so tar as
the military situation will allow.
(4.) To assist in restoring and developing the Jewish colonies,
and in re-organising the Jewish population in general.
(5.) To collect information and report upon the possibilities of
future Jewish developments in Palestine in the light
of the declaration of His Majesty’s Government.
The Committee decided—
That the War Office should inform General Allenby of the
desirability of the Commission proceeding to Palestine as
soon as possible and inviting his concurrence, and that the
Foreign Office should submit a statement regarding the
functions and duties of the Political Officer in charge of
the Commission to the Army Council for their approval.
3. The Committee had before them a telegram from Sir Percy
Cox asking for a reconsideration of the policy adopted by the Com
mittee at their last meeting towards Ibn Sand (reference Secretary
of State for India’s telegram to Viceroy's Department, P. 181, dated
14th January).
Alter some discussion the Committee requested that the War
Office should prepare a memorandum upon the situation in Central
Arabia for their consideration at the next meeting ot the Committee.
4. Lord Curzon enquired concerning Hie possibility of operations
up the Euphrates with a view to obtaining possession of Hit.
General Macdouogu explained m aela.il the reasons why these
operations had not yet been undertaken.
2, Wit itch all Gardens, S.W.,
January 10, 1018.