Prior to this point, no active negotiations with Zionists had taken place, but Sykes had been aware of Zionism, was in contact with Moses Gaster – a former President of the English Zionist Federation – and may have seen Samuel's 1915 memorandum.
Sebelum titik ini, tak ada negosiasi aktif dengan kaum Zionis yang dilakukan, namun Sykes telah menyadari Zionisme, dalam kontak dengan Moses Gaster – seorang mantan Presiden Federasi Zionis Inggris – dan menyoroti memorandum tahun 1915 buatan Samuel.