* * * *

CONVENTION OF PRETORIA, 1881.

Preamble. Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Settlement of the
Transvaal territory, duly appointed as such by a Commission passed under
the Royal Sign Manual and Signet, bearing date the 5th of April, 1881,
do hereby undertake and guarantee on behalf of Her Majesty that, from
and after the 8th day of August, 1881, complete self-government, subject
to the suzerainty of Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, will be
accorded to the inhabitants of the Transvaal territory, upon the
following terms and conditions, and subject to the following
reservations and limitations:--

Article I. The said territory, to be hereinafter called the Transvaal
State, will embrace the land lying between the following boundaries, to
wit: [here follow three pages in print defining boundaries.]

Article 2. Her Majesty reserves to herself, her heirs and
successors--(_a_), the right from time to time to appoint a British
Resident in and for the said State, with such duties and functions as
are hereinafter defined; (_b_), the right to move troops through the
said State in time of war, or in case of the apprehension of immediate
war between the Suzerain Power and any Foreign State or Native Tribe in
South Africa; and (_c_) the control of the external relations of the
said State, including the conclusion of treaties and the conduct of
diplomatic intercourse with Foreign Powers, such intercourse to be
carried on through Her Majesty's diplomatic and consular officers
abroad.

Article 3. Until altered by the Volksraad, or other competent authority,
all laws, whether passed before or after the Annexation of the Transvaal
territory to Her Majesty's dominions, shall, except in so far as they
are inconsistent with or repugnant to the provisions of this Convention,
be and remain in force in the said State in so far as they shall be
applicable thereto, provided that no future enactment especially
affecting the interest of natives shall have any force or effect in the
said State, without the consent of Her Majesty, her heirs and
successors, first had and obtained and signified to the Government of
the said State through the British Resident, provided further that in no
case will the repeal or amendment of any laws enacted since the
Annexation have a retrospective effect, so as to invalidate any acts
done or liabilities incurred by virtue of such laws.

Article 4. On the 8th day of August, 1