Agreement Between the King of Hijaz and Khadim al-Haramayn as-Sharifayn, Emir Feisal Ibn al-Hussein al-Hashemi, and the President of the World Zionist Organization, Dr. Chaim Weizmann
(January 3, 1919)
January 3, 1919
His Royal Highness the Emir Feisal, representing and acting on behalf of the
Arab Kingdom of Hedjaz, and Dr. Chaim Weizmann, representing and acting on
behalf of the Zionist Organisation, mindful of the racial kinship and ancient
bonds existing between the Arabs and the Jewish people, and realising that the
surest means of working out the consummation of their national aspirations is
through the closest possible collaboration in the development of the Arab State
and Palestine, and being desirous further of confirming the good understanding
which exists between them, have agreed upon the following Articles:
ARTICLE I
The Arab State and Palestine in all their relations and undertakings shall be
controlled by the most cordial goodwill and understanding, and to this end Arab
and Jewish duly accredited agents shall be established and maintained in the
respective territories.
ARTICLE II
Immediately following the completion of the deliberations of the Peace
Conference, the definite boundaries between the Arab State and Palestine shall
be determined by a Commission to be agreed upon by the parties hereto.
ARTICLE III
In the establishment of the Constitution and Administration of Palestine all
such measures shall be adopted as will afford the fullest guarantees for
carrying into effect the British Government's Declaration of the 2d of November,
1917.
ARTICLE IV
All necessary measures shall be taken to encourage stimulate immigration of Jews
into Palestine on a large scale, and as quickly as possible to settle Jewish
immigrants upon the land through closer settlement and intensive cultivation of
the soil. In taking such measures the Arab peasant and tenant farmers shall be
protected in their rights, and shall be assisted in forwarding their economic
development.
ARTICLE V
No regulation nor law shall be made prohibiting or interfering in any way with
the free exercise of religion; and further the free exercise and enjoyment of
religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall
forever be allowed. No religious test shall ever be required for the exercise of
civil or political rights.
ARTICLE VI
The Mohammedan Holy Places shall be under Mohammedan control.
ARTICLE VII
The Zionist Organisation proposes to send to Palestine a Commission of experts
to make a survey of the economic possibilities of the country, and to report
upon the best means for its development. The Zionist Organisation will place the
aforementioned Commission at the disposal of the Arab State for the purpose of a
survey of the economic possibilities of the Arab State and to report upon the
best means for its development. The Zionist Organisation will use its best
efforts to assist the Arab State in providing the means for developing the
natural resources and economic possibilities thereof.
ARTICLE VIII
The parties hereto agree to act in complete accord and harmony on all matters
embraced herein before the Peace Congress.
ARTICLE IX
Any matters of dispute which may arise between the contracting parties shall be
referred to the British Government for arbitration. Given under our hand at
London, England, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and
nineteen.
Chaim Weizmann
Feisal Ibn al-Hussein.