However, already in 1917 Britain expressed support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. In a letter written by Britain’s foreign secretary, Arthur Balfour, to Walter Rothschild, a leader in Britain’s Jewish community, the British government’s support was made public: “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 shall 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.” This statement, known historically as the Balfour Declaration, laid the foundation for British and Western support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Intro…, loc. 186