(1). That, although the High Commissioner had stated that the suzerainty was only a question of etymological importance, that although the British Government had never been able to refute the arguments advanced by the South African Republic as to the abolition of the suzerainty in 1884, the British Government was nevertheless determined not to abandon its pretension, and is now prepared to make war in South Africa over this point.
(2). That the British Government invites the South African Republic to a joint enquiry, and, when this invitation, which had never been withdrawn, is accepted, the acceptance is refused with every mark of contempt.
Is there any instance in the history of civilised diplomacy of such trickery and such callous jugglery with the highest interests of South Africa?
Can anyone wonder that South Africa has lost all confidence in British statesmanship?
The British name has been sullied in this part of the world by many perfidious actions, but of a truth I cannot instance any more despicable and repellent incidents than those which have marked the course of events during the last few months.
And the consequence of this trickery will be written with the blood and the tears of thousands of innocent people.
FOOTNOTES:
[33] Dispatches of 12th August, 1896; 21st August, 1896; 17th February, 1897. C. 8423 and C. 8721.
[34] Dispatches of the 6th March, 1897. C. 8423.
[35] Dispatch, 7th May, 1897. No. 3, C. 8721.