Correspondence with Chaim Weizmann

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 GDN/A/W35
  • Dates of Creation
      14 Jul 1907-10 Dec 1940
  • Physical Description
      24 pieces; 28 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Chaim Weizmann (1874-1952), Zionist leader and president of Israel, relating to a request for a ticket for Weizmann to attend the [eighth] Zionist Congress as a correspondent for the Manchester Guardian. Also included is a request by Scott for an article from Weizmann entitled 'What is Poland?', with discussion of the partition of the country and the system of government in each part, and a request for a memorandum by Weizmann on the work of the [English Zionist Federation].

There is correspondence relating to the arrangement by Scott of meetings for Weizmann with [David] Lloyd George and [Humbert] Wolff at the Ministry of Munitions, and a statement from Weizmann regarding his qualifications as a chemist. There is also correspondence discussing potential legal proceedings following claims of infringement by Weizmann in the procedure for producing acetone, and the involvement of the [British] government in the project. Also included is a letter on the subject to Edwin Samuel Montagu, politician.

There is a letter from Weizmann on a proposal that he investigate the Dead Sea for its exploitation from the point of view of munitions, with reference to finding a way in which to bring the proposal to the attention of the [British] government. Also included is discussion of a request by Weizmann for the assistance of Harry Sacher, Zionist and benefactor, and Scott's desire to retain Sacher as an employee of the Manchester Guardian.

There is an expression of thanks from Weizmann for the support given by Scott to the Zionist cause, and a request that Scott attend the [Versailles Peace Conference] on days on which Palestine is to be discussed. Also included is a request for advice by Weizmann as to the timing of a visit he is making to Palestine, and discussion of the general election, 1922. There is a request that Scott provide a message for the opening of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which is granted, and an expression of thanks by Weizmann for Scott's support and assistance of Zionism. Also included is praise of the stance taken by the Manchester Guardian on the report [of the Commission on the Palestine Disturbances of August 1929], and an offer of an article on the subject by Weizmann, which is accepted.

There is correspondence between Weizmann and W.P. Crozier, relating to a request by Crozier for a meeting with Weizmann, which is granted. There is also discussion of the [London Conference, 1939] and an expression of support and sympathy to Weizmann from Crozier. There a letter of thanks from Weizmann for an article in the Manchester Guardian [on the refusal of the Palestinian government to allow Jewish refugees to enter Palestine,] and an offer of a memorandum on the situation in America, which is accepted.