Chief Commandant de Wet: Yes.
Lord Milner: What is the good of it then?
Chief Commandant de Wet: It is such a vital question for us that it cannot be taken amiss in us if we insist upon it, because we must give up everything.
Lord Kitchener: Of course no one takes it amiss in you.
Lord Milner: But I must point out without taking it amiss in anyone that the effect of what you propose would be that another clause would have to be embodied in the draft contract undertaking to promulgate such a proclamation.
Lord Kitchener: I believe that if the Delegates received the assurance that the Government will take this matter into consideration in the interests of their subjects, whom they must protect, that this will be sufficient for them. There will be no written obligation, but only an obligation that the matter will be considered. It is not advisable to press this matter with the Government, after it has been brought before them. The opinions of the burghers will be brought before Lord Milner in other ways also.
Chief Commandant de Wet: There are many other small points which we could take up, which it would, however, not be desirable to do, but we are now speaking of a vital question.
Lord Kitchener: This is one of those questions which, if brought to the attention of the Government, cannot be set aside. And you may inform the burghers that their interests will be protected as much as possible. I think that this ought to be sufficient for you on such a complicated matter. What is spoken here is being taken down, and the minutes will be considered not only here, but also in England. Are you satisfied with that?
General Botha: As far as I am personally concerned, yes.
Chief Commandant de Wet: So am I.