The Future of Palestine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Future of Palestine
The first draft of the memorandum as published in the British Cabinet papers (CAB 37/123/43), as at 21 January 1915
Created	January–March 1915
Authors	Herbert Samuel
Purpose	Advocate for incorporation of Palestine as British Protectorate in the British Empire

The Future of Palestine, also known as the Samuel Memorandum, was an important paper written by Herbert Samuel. He shared it with the British Cabinet (a group of top government ministers) in early 1915. This happened just a few months after Britain declared war on the Ottoman Empire.

This document was the first official record to suggest that getting support from Jewish people could be a helpful strategy during the war.

Why was Palestine Discussed?

Discussions about Palestine first happened among British government leaders on November 9, 1914. This was only four days after Britain went to war with the Ottoman Empire. David Lloyd George, who was in charge of the country's money at the time, talked about what would happen to Palestine in the future.

Early Ideas for a Jewish State

Herbert Samuel, a government minister, spoke with Lloyd George. Lloyd George told Samuel he really wanted to see a Jewish state created in Palestine. Samuel then explained more about the idea of Zionism. This was a movement that supported the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Samuel also pointed out how important Palestine's location was for the British Empire. That same evening, Prime Minister H. H. Asquith announced a war goal. He said that the Ottoman Empire would be broken up, not just in Europe but also in Asia.

How the Memorandum Came About

In December 1914, Herbert Samuel met Chaim Weizmann. Weizmann later became the first President of Israel. Samuel was already a strong supporter of Zionism. He even thought Weizmann's ideas were not ambitious enough.

Samuel hinted at his big plans, saying that "perhaps the Temple may be rebuilt." He meant this as a symbol of Jewish unity, but in a modern way.

Meetings with Key Leaders

In January 1915, Samuel sent his memorandum to Prime Minister H. H. Asquith and Foreign Minister Edward Grey. He wanted them to approve his ideas. Lloyd George, who would later become Prime Minister, was the only government minister strongly in favor of Samuel's plan.

What the Memorandum Said

The memorandum started by saying that World War I was a chance to change Palestine's situation. Samuel believed it was too early for Palestine to become an independent Jewish state. He thought the best solution was for it to become part of the British Empire. He felt this would be very popular with Zionist leaders worldwide.

Benefits for the British Empire

Samuel listed five ways this plan would help the British Empire:

• It would allow Britain to continue its historical role of helping less developed countries.
• It would make the British Empire seem more important and respected.
• It would give Britain a positive outcome from the war without angering Germany.
• It would make Egypt's defenses stronger by creating a secure border.
• It would earn Britain the lasting thanks of Jewish people everywhere, including those in the United States.

Other Options for Palestine

Samuel also looked at other possibilities for Palestine. He thought France taking control would not be popular with Jewish people. He felt that international control would make the country stuck. Adding Palestine to a larger Egypt would create problems. Leaving it with Turkey, even with promises for Jewish settlement, would likely not improve things much.

Samuel concluded that a British Palestine would not solve all Jewish issues in Europe. However, he believed it would greatly improve the "character" of Jewish people worldwide, benefiting everyone.

How People Reacted

According to historian Friedman, the final version of the memorandum was not discussed by the government. However, Rufus Isaacs, another important figure, noted that Lloyd George was supportive. He felt that Samuel's idea appealed to Lloyd George's "poetic and imaginative" side.