Spoke Robert Wilton of "the utter failure of Assimilation or of any solution of the Jewish problem except Zionism" (Russia's Agony, London, 1918).

To the best of my (personal and certainly not complete) knowledge, there have been differing trends in Zionism.

Some kind of Jewish nationalism may be presumably as justified as any other kind of nationalism.

There has also been the Jewish 'internationalism' so-called. 'Inter-nationalism' does presuppose the existence of some distinct nations ; otherwise, what is that the intercourse is to take place between ?

One does not in principle object to some Jewish nationalism provided that it be not presented as something other than Jewish nationalism.

One that score, the confusion with the internationalist Bolshevik undertakings (the "world-wide revolution") seems to be still present (observed by me in many sources).

If there be any glimmering hopes for some non-violent solutions,¹ such may exist in the works of those Jewish authors who had nothing to do with the spreading of the Bolshevik racket. That means, not the Poale-Zion, so far as I know of the character of that group ; but possibly some other Zionist or like groups.

If I did know better, I would tell better. This is preliminary to some remarks by me on some questions which had accrued much aggravation during the 20th century.

WPT.

    ¹ The marxist-leninist 'ideology', a delusion when not a racket, has in the meanwhile taken roots in large parts of Asia, etc. One does hope for non-violent solutions, whether on a large or on a small scale. There seems to be nothing yet guaranteed as of this writing and there are present attempts at thwarting solutions, in the Press, in the Internet, etc.

�Work diligently for your salvation� — I have seen attributed to Gautama Buddha. Seems to apply, regardless of creed.

Jacob Schiff, 12 December 1917, to Israel Zangwill

As you had correctly supposed, the Balfour statement on Palestine, of which you wrote me in your last letter, has since become public property and has given widespread satisfaction, as it also has become the subject of considerable discussion. With the fall of Jerusalem some few days ago and the passing of the Holy City into Britis hands, there can be no doubt that the cause of Zionism has made very far-reaching progress, and we should pray that Palestine never again pass from under the suzerainty of Great Britain.

I have been carrying on, for several months, as I believe I have written you already, active conferences and discussions with Justice Brandeis and other Zionist leaders, who are desirous that I formally embrace Zionism and come into the Organization. We have reached a full understanding, I believe, on all vital points except that I want to be permitted to explicitly state that I consider that I do not see any raison d�être for a Jewish state in Palestine that does not have Judaism as its cornerstone, nor that I can consider anyone a Jew who is not willing to acknowledge the Jewish conception of the Deity. If in the end I shall not be permitted to make this statement simultaneously with my entrance into the Zionist Organization, I shall have to stay out, for I shall not for a moment be willing to stultify myself by ignoring at so important a juncture what I have always considered and continue to consider the basis of my entire life.

Jacob H. Schiff His Life and Letters
Garden City, New York : Doubleday, Doran &ct., 1929, vol. ii, pages 315-6.