(Nov. 2, 1917) Statement issued by the British foreign secretary, Chaim Weizmann and Nahum Sokolow.
The declaration promised the establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people in {{link=Palestine">Palestine that would not disturb the non-Jewish groups already residing there. The British anticipated gaining a mandate over Palestine after World War I (1914–18) and hoped to win over Jewish public opinion to the side of the Allies. They also hoped that pro-British settlers would help protect the approaches to the Suez Canal , a vital link to Britain's South Asian possessions.