Apart from propaganda value, Germany discovered in Zionism an instrument for solving the Jewish problem in Eastern Europe after the war and a means for strengthening its own influence in the Middle East. Moreover, by maintaining good relations with German officials and the press, the German Zionists inadvertently created an atmosphere of competition among the European Powers, and thus indirectly accelerated the publication of Balfour's Declaration.
Friedman's revealing study is a comprehensive and definitive work on a little known aspect of German-Turkish-Zionist relations, and complements his previous book, "The Question of Palestine, "also published by Transaction. The book was hailed upon publication as "a careful and intelligent use of the many available sources" by the "Times Literary Supplement; ""a persuasive, nourishing and durable study, eminently readable" by "Middle East Journal; "and "a fascinating story in which the heroes are German Zionists who managed to win the protection of the German government" in "Choice."