With a view to finally concluding the existing hostilities, and being fully empowered by the Government of the two Republics, we have the honour to propose the following points—in addition to the conditions already offered in the negotiations of April last—as a basis for negotiations:
(a) We are prepared to cede our independence as regards our foreign relations.
(b) We wish to retain self-government in our country, under British supervision.
(c) We are prepared to cede a part of our territory.
Should your Excellencies be prepared to negotiate on this basis, then the above-mentioned points can be elaborated.
We have the honour to be,
Your Excellencies' most obedient servants,
LOUIS BOTHA.
C.R. DE WET.
J.H. DE LA REY.
J.B.M. HERTZOG.
J.C. SMUTS.
When this letter had been read, a discussion followed.
Lord Milner: "Considering the wide difference between this proposal and that made by His Majesty's Government, when we last met, I fear that I can hold out very little hope of any good results following negotiations on the basis you have suggested."
Lord Kitchener: "We can take those proposals into consideration, but I cannot see how it is possible to bring them into harmony with those of His Majesty's Government."
Commandant-General Botha: "If this is the position you take, we should like to receive from you a final answer to our proposals."