First part
14. May 1903 – 30. July 1903 :
This journal contains letters discussing London affairs and initial reflections on Mozambique as a possible site of Jewish settlement. Theodor Herzl seeks an audience with the Russian Czar and reaches out to the Russian Interior Minister, Wenzel von Plehve, and the peace activist Bertha von Suttner for their support. A meeting with the Portuguese ambassador in Vienna, Miguel de Paraty, ensues. Herzl updates Zadoc Kahn and Lord Rothschild on the setback faced by the El-Arish project and expresses his sorrow concerning the Chisinau pogrom. He then renews negotiations with Great Britain, resubmits plans to Constantinople, and advocates for a Charter for Mesopotamia. The British Government encouragingly expresses openness to reviewing a preliminary draft. In light of challenges in Russia, Herzl appeals to Pauline Korvin-Piatrovska for assistance, especially as Wenzel von Plehve calls for the suppression of Zionist organizations in Russia. Diplomatic exchanges intensify, shifting focus to East Africa, Sinai, and El-Arish. Plehve indicates a willingness to meet with Herzl.
Second part
11. September 1903 – 12. December 1903:
Herzl embarks to Edlach, where he initiates correspondence with the likes of Prince Philipp Eulenburg, Lord Nathaniel Mayer Rothschild, Grand Duke Friedrich von Baden, and Ernest von Koerber. Amid these endeavors, Herzl keeps the Jewish Colonization Association (ICA) informed through a letter detailing the proceedings of the sixth Zionist Congress. However, his plans are disrupted when Julie Herzl falls ill, forcing him to stay in Edlach. Herzl takes advantage of this opportunity and reflects on the organization of the commission for the upcoming expedition to East Africa. He also ponders potential connections that could facilitate an introduction to King Vittorio Emmanuelle III of Italy. Amidst these developments, Herzl remains engaged in correspondence with notable figures such as General Alexander Kirejew, Pauline Korvin-Piatrowska, and Wenzel von Plehve. Simultaneously, a dispute arises with Menachem Ussischkin and the Russian Actions Committee concerning the East Africa project.
