The peace negotiations between the governments of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, and the representatives of the British government, which terminated in the peace concluded at Vereeniging on the 31st May, 1902

by J. D. Kestell; D. E. van Velden

General Smuts: There is nothing against it in this Clause. According to this Clause the Dutch language will be taught, but it is not stipulated that Dutch will be the medium of instruction. My own impression is that the language in the schools will be English, but if the parents desire it, Dutch.

Landdrost Stofberg: It means therefore that the language medium will be English, but that Dutch will also be allowed.

General Hertzog: Lord Milner declared that he wanted only one language in South Africa, and that was English. English will be the medium.

Landdrost Stofberg: A foreign language therefore?

General du Toit: What will be the Constitution of the Civil Government?

General Botha: It will be that of a Crown Colony.

General Kemp: Is no time fixed within which Civil Government must be introduced?

General Botha: No.

General du Toit: In Clause 9 mention is made of war taxes. Will there be no other taxes?

General Botha: The British Government says that they will not defray their expenses out of a tax on the farms.