5TH MARCH, 1919.
ROYAL HIGHNESS: Allow me, on behalf of the Zionist Organisation, to acknowledge
your recent letter with deep appreciation.
Those of us who come from the United States have already been gratified by the
friendly relations and the active cooperation maintained between you and the
Zionist leaders, particularly Dr. Weizmann. We knew it could not be other wise;
we knew that the aspirations of the Arab and the Jewish peoples were parallel,
that each aspired to reestablish its nationality in its own homeland, each
making its own distinctive contribution to civilisation, each seeking its own
peaceful mode of life.
The Zionist leaders and the Jewish people for whom they speak have watched with
satisfaction the spiritual vigour of the Arab movement. Themselves seeking
justice, they are anxious that the just national aims of the Arab people be
confirmed and safeguarded by the Peace Conference.
We knew from your acts and your past utterances that the Zionist movement - in
other words the national aims of the Jewish people - had your support and the
support of the Arab people for whom you speak. These aims are now before the
Peace Conference as definite proposals by the Zionist Organisation. We are happy
indeed that you consider these proposals "moderate and proper," and
that we have in you a staunch supporter for their realisation. For both the Arab
and the Jewish peoples there are difficulties ahead - difficulties that
challenge the united statesmanship of Arab and Jewish leaders. For it is no easy
task to rebuild two great civilisations that have been suffering oppression and
misrule for centuries. We each have our difficulties we shall work out as
friends, friends who are animated by similar purposes, seeking a free and full
development for the two neighbouring peoples. The Arabs and Jews are neighbours
in territory; we cannot but live side by side as friends.
Very respectfully,
Felix Frankfurter.