Stenographisches Protokoll der Verhandlungen des … Zionisten-Kongresses … in … · 1903-01-01 · 6 (1903) Basel, 23. bis 28. August 1903 · p. Seite 215

of a Cornmission bind us in the matter. There can be no binding in the casc until thorough investigation into the whole of the conditions and circumstances of the Suggestion have been made, and this cannot well be clone exeept by the proposed Commission. I think it well to teil you that this offer or Suggestion was made to Dr. Herzl in the first place by Mr. Chamberlain, and that while Dr. Herzl feit there was an}- chance of continuing the negotiations in respect to El Arisch, he respectfnlly told Mr. Chamberlain that the preferred not to consider East Africa. But, Mr. Chamberlain, when the negotiation for El Arisch feil through, was good enough to again suggest through nie to Dr. Herzl his previous view in regard to East Africa, He told me that when he was in Africa, he had an opportunity of seeing the land referred to, and sai.d,.„Here is a country which will suit Dr. Herzl". Of course no exact territory has as yet been spoken of; the precise area to be acquired will be a matter for negotiation afer experts have been there to examine the place, bnt the part which Mr. Chamberlain told me he thonght frora casual Observation might suit us if available, lies between Nairobi and the Mau Escarpment—this he described as being on very high grond, with an excellent climate suitable for white people, indeed he described it as being like a beautiful portion of Southern England. And, I understand from the Government that if the territory chosen by us is agreeable and in accordance with the recommendation tendered them by the High Commissioner of the Protectorate, they would be Willing to concede a consider able area of land—say some two or three hundred miles latitucle by two or three hundred miles longitude. I may say that the part beween jSTairobi and the Mau escarpment is near to the railway which runs direct from Mombassa. As to the status of the proposed settlement, the present proposal is for local autonomy subject to the control of His Britannic Majesty's Government. I will only ädd one personal remark: I am a strong Palestinian, and am anxious to see our people gathered together again in our own beloved ancient land, and had I not all along been convinced that the negotiations with the British Government and the British proposal were a long step towards the goal of our nation, towards Palestine, I should with great respect have asked our chief to relieve me from the work with which he had honoured me. Bemember one thing, the way to Palestine need not necessarily be only the geographical way. The political road we must never lose sight. The following is the text of the letter peceived: Sir Clement Hill, Chief of Protectorate Dept. to Mr. L. J. Greenberg. Foreign Office. Aug. 14th 1903. Sit. Mr. Chamberlain communicated to the Marquess of Lansdowne the letter wihch you addressed to him on the 13th ultimo containing the form of an agreement which Dr. Herzl proposes should be entered