Exceedingly Rare and Important Typed Letter Signed as "Eliahu Epstein"

1 page on "Palestine Review" letterhead, 10.25 x 8 inches, Jerusalem, May 3, 1937. Written to fellow Zionist Heinrich Margulies, Director of the Anglo-Palestine Bank, Tel Aviv, in part: "I am glad you are giving us your co-operation, for I am anxious to make our paper not only an interesting but also an authoritative journal. In regard to the subject we discussed in our editorial 'East of Suez', we did not lay down permanent principles but rather referred to passing winds. It is our purpose to keep our readers both here and abroad well abreast of movements affecting the welfare of this country and we believe that we should not conceal facts which may not be palatable. I think also that you will agree that British policy, not only in regard to Zionism, has not always been consistent but is liable to fluctuation. In regard to Alexandretta, our comment has been on the lines which you suggest. I shall certainly be glad to take advantage of your suggestion to meet and discuss this and similar matters in person. I wonder why you wrote your article in German, since your English letter shows that you have a command of this language too." Note: Alexandretta was an area traditionally considered part of Syria that came under Turkish control in 1938. Israeli archives offer interesting insight into Epstein / Eilat's conduct with the posting of the following: "Eliyahu Epstein visited Iraq in February, 1937, pretending to be a journalist. Epstein was concerned about the Pan-Arab and pro-German spirit among the youth." Another document states: "Eliahu Sassoon and Eliahu Epstein, two officials of the Jewish Agency's Political Department, paid an eight-day visit to Iraq. Epstein was in touch with British political circles." There is little doubt that Epstein / Eilat was more concerned with intelligence gathering rather than journalistic endeavors. Natural folds and light creasing; two holes punched in the left margin with tearing. Otherwise in very good condition. A champion of the Zionist cause who helped found the State of Israel. In 1934 he became the head of the Political Department of the Jewish Agency, which itself was the precursor to the Israeli Government that was created at the nation's independence in 1948. It was Eilat who sought and received President Truman's recognition of Israel's establishment as a state. He was also Israel's first Ambassador to the United States upon its founding.…