General Smuts: If, then, the idea is to alter the Middelburg proposals, would it not be best to do so now and to attach them to this document?
Lord Milner: What takes the place of the Middelburg proposals must be attached to this document as a schedule, and we must jointly work out the schedule.
General Smuts: I think it would be better if you alter the proposal yourselves and then submit it to us for consideration, so that we can consider what we shall do with it.
Lord Kitchener: I am of opinion that a sub-committee out of yourselves should be appointed to do that.
Lord Milner: My idea is that the schedule can be drafted by two or three of us, to be then considered by us as a whole.
General Smuts: We would like to consider first whether we shall assist.
Lord Milner: I am willing to draft it with you or to let you draw it up alone, but on the ground of my experience I do not wish to do it alone.
General Smuts: If we sign this document, would not the effect of it be that we leaders would make ourselves responsible for the burghers laying down their arms?
Lord Milner: Yes, if the arms are not laid down, everything is a failure.
Lord Kitchener: I do not think so. If all do not lay down their arms, the signatories cannot help it. There will always be some dissatisfied ones.