The British Government has no quarrel with the Zulu people. All Zulus who come in unarmed, or who lay down their arms, will be provided for till the troubles of their country are over; and will then, if they please, be allowed to return to their own land; but all who do not so submit will be dealt with as enemies.
When the war is finished, the British Government will make the best arrangements in its power for the future good government of the Zulus in their own country, in peace and quietness, and will not permit the killing and oppression they have suffered from Cetywayo to continue.
H. B. E. FRERE,
High Commissioner.
(This is followed by a translation in the Zulu language.)
“This,” Sir B. Frere says, is “a message to the Zulu population which the General will make as widely known as possible.”—(P. P. [C. 2242] p. 24).
On December 29th, Mr. Fynney, Border Agent, writes at the request of the Lieut.-General Commanding to the Lieut.-Governor of Natal that the General “has taken the opportunity offered by the return of Sintwangu and Umpepa to send the following message to the Zulu king:
“‘That, in the event of the cattle demanded as a fine, together with Sirayo’s sons and brother, not being delivered before the expiration of the time allowed, Her Majesty’s troops will occupy Zulu territory without delay.
“‘2. That no forward movement into Zululand will be made till the expiration of the thirty days; but at the end of that time, if all the demands are not complied with, the troops will advance.
“‘3. That such advance will not be directed against the Zulu nation, but against the king, who has broken the promises he made at his coronation. So that in the event of hostilities, all Zulu subjects willing to lay down their arms, and wishing to take refuge in British territory, will be fed and protected till such time as peace is restored, when they will be at liberty to return to their homes; but that all who remain in Zululand will be considered as enemies.