That David Lloyd George, former British Prime Minister, believed in the possibility of a Jewish Palestine under British mandate, six months before the Balfour Declaration, is disclosed by Lord Bertie, former British Ambassador in Paris, in his diary which appears in today’s “Morning Post.”
Lord Bertie reveals that on April 20, 1917, he discussed with Lloyd George the question of Palestine and expressed his fear that the Jews in Palestine might be unable to withstand Arab opposition without the support of England and France. The Ambassador was dubious as to whether France would consent to England having protectorate over Palestine. In reply, Lloyd George stated, “France will have to agree to a British protectorate over Palestine; Great Britain being in Palestine by reason of conquest will remain there for we are the only power fitted to rule Moslems, Jews and other religions. We will take the place of the Turks in Palestine and will keep peace between the several religious and political factions in the country.”
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