Shall we choose Palestine or Argentine? We shall take what is given
us, and what is selected by Jewish public opinion. The Society will
determine both these points.
Argentine is one of the most fertile countries in the world, extends
over a vast area, has a sparse population and a mild climate. The
Argentine Republic would derive considerable profit from the cession
of a portion of its territory to us. The present infiltration of Jews
has certainly produced some discontent, and it would be necessary to
enlighten the Republic on the intrinsic difference of our new
movement.
Palestine is our ever-memorable historic home. The very name of
Palestine would attract our people with a force of marvellous potency.
If His Majesty the Sultan were to give us Palestine, we could in
return undertake to regulate the whole finances of Turkey. We should
there form a portion of a rampart of Europe against Asia, an outpost
of civilization as opposed to barbarism. We should as a neutral State
remain in contact with all Europe, which would have to guarantee our
existence. The sanctuaries of Christendom would be safeguarded by
assigning to them an extra-territorial status such as is well-known to
the law of nations. We should form a guard of honor about these
sanctuaries, answering for the fulfilment of this duty with our
existence. This guard of honor would be the great symbol of the
solution of the Jewish Question after eighteen centuries of Jewish
suffering.