A part d'autres considérations qui rendent ce moyen inadmissible, il fournirait des armes à une guerre de religion en petit qui, vu les élémens de jalousie et de discorde déjà existans, ne manquerait pas d'éclater. (F.O. Docs. 7/302.) * * * * * BRITISH JEWS AND PALESTINE, 1841-1843. _Colonel Churchill to Sir Moses Montefiore._ _June 14th, 1841._ MY DEAR SIR MOSES,--I have not yet had the pleasure of hearing from you, but I would fain hope that my letters have reached you safe. I enclose you a petition which has been drawn by the Brothers Harari, in which they state their claims and their earnest desire to be immediately under British protection. I am sorry to say that such a measure is much required even now, not only for them, but also for all the Jews in Damascus. They are still liable to persecutions similar to those from which, through your active and generous intervention, they have so lately escaped. The Christians still regard them with malevolence, and the statement in the petition enclosed is perfectly correct. I cannot conceal from you my most anxious desire to see your countrymen endeavour once more to resume their existence as a people. I consider the object to be perfectly attainable. But, two things are indispensably necessary. Firstly, that the Jews will themselves take up the matter universally and unanimously. Secondly, that the European Powers will aid them in their views. It is for the Jews to make a commencement. Let the principal persons of their community place themselves at the head of the movement. Let them meet, concert and petition. In fact the agitation must be simultaneous throughout Europe. There is no Government which can possibly take offence at such public meetings. The result would be that you would conjure up a new element in Eastern diplomacy--an element which under such auspices as those of the wealthy and influential members of the Jewish community could not fail not only of attracting great attention and of exciting extraordinary interest, but also of producing great events.