PRELIMINARY OVERTURES.
Then followed the succeeding telegraphic correspondence.
From Lord Kitchener to the Secretary of State for War.
Pretoria, April 12, 1902, 9.22 P.M.
All Boer representatives met to-day and wished the following telegram sent:—
“The Boer representatives wish to lay before his Majesty’s Government that they have an earnest desire for peace, and that they consequently decided to ask the British Government to end hostilities, and to enter into an agreement by which, in their opinion, all future war between them and the British Government in South Africa will be prevented. They consider this object may be attained by providing for following points:—
“1. Franchise.
“2. Equal rights for Dutch and English languages in education matters.
“3. Customs Union.
“4. Dismantling of all forts in Transvaal and Orange River Colony.
“5. Post, Telegraph, and Railways Union.
“6. Arbitration in case of future differences, and only subjects of the parties to be the arbitrators.
“7. Mutual amnesty.
“But if these terms are not satisfactory they desire to know what terms the British Government would give them in order to secure the end they all desire.”
I have assured them that his Majesty’s Government will not accept any proposals which would maintain independence of Republic, as this would do, and that they must expect refusal.
From the Secretary of State for War to Lord Kitchener.
War Office, 13th April 1902, 2.30 P.M.
His Majesty’s Government sincerely share the earnest desire of the Boer representatives for peace, and hope that the present negotiations may lead to that result; but they have already stated in the clearest terms, and must now repeat, that they cannot entertain any proposals which are based upon the continued independence of the former Republics, which have been formally annexed to the British Crown.
From Lord Kitchener to the Secretary of State for War.
Pretoria, 14th April 1902, 6.10 P.M.
The High Commissioner and I met the Boer representatives this morning, when I communicated to them the substance of your telegram. We then endeavoured to induce them to make fresh proposals, but President Steyn, who throughout acted as their leading spokesman, immediately took the line that while the Boer Governments were competent to make peace they were not competent to surrender the independence of their country; that only the people could do this—the people, as explained, meaning the Burghers still in the field. If he was to suggest anything involving the abandonment of independence, it would be a betrayal of their trust.
Schalk Burger and General Botha took precisely the same line. As no progress could be made the meeting was adjourned by mutual consent till this afternoon. The Boer representatives then suggested an armistice in order to consult their people; but I pointed out, with Lord Milner’s full concurrence, that we had not got nearly far enough in the direction of agreement to justify such a course. Finally it was agreed that I should send you the following message, which was read over several times, and fully agreed to by the representatives, to whom I have given a copy of it:—
“A difficulty has arisen in getting on with proceedings. The representatives state that constitutionally they have no power to discuss terms based on the surrender of independence, inasmuch as only the Burghers can agree to such a basis; therefore, if they were to propose, it would put them in a false position with regard to their people. If, however, his Majesty’s Government would state the terms that, subsequent to a relinquishment of independence, they would be prepared to grant, the representatives, after asking for the necessary explanations, without any expression of approval or disapproval, would submit such conditions to their people.”