to meet the Boer Representatives, and make this plain
to them. You must encourage them to make fresh proposals which we
will willingly receive."

In this telegram, as the reader will have observed, the name of Lord
Milner is mentioned. Up till now we were dealing with Lord Kitchener
alone, but at our next conversation the first-named was also present.

Both Representatives of the British Government insisted that we should
negotiate with them, taking the surrender of our Independence for
granted. We could not do so. We had repeatedly told Lord Kitchener that,
constitutionally, it was beyond the power of our Governments to discuss
terms based on the giving up of Independence. Only the nation could do
that. Should however, the British Government make a proposal which had,
as a basis, the temporary withdrawal only of the Independence, then we
would lay this proposal before the nation.

Thereupon the following telegram was drawn up and dispatched:--

FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

"PRETORIA, _April 14th, 1902_.

"A difficulty has arisen in connexion with the negotiations. The
representatives declare that, constitutionally, they are not
entitled to discuss terms which are based on the surrender of their
independence, as the burghers alone can agree to such a basis. If,
however, His Majesty's Government can propose terms by which their
independence shall be subsequently given back to them, the
representatives, on the matter being fully explained to them, will
lay such conditions before the people, without giving expression to
their own opinions."

The reply to this was as follows:--

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO LORD KITCHENER.

"LONDON, _April 16th_.

"With great astonishment we have received the message from the Boer
leaders, as contained in your cable. The meeting was arranged in
accordance with their desires, and they must have been aware, from
our repeated declarations, that we should not be prepared to
consider any proposal based on the revival of the independence of
the two South African States. We, therefore, were justified in
believing that the Boer representatives had abandoned all idea of
Independence, and that they would make terms for the surrender of
the forces still in the Veldt. They now declare that they are not
constitutionally in a position to discuss any