epresenting the Meeting
of the People's Delegates assembled at Vereeniging on May 15, 1902_.

Mr. Advocate N. J. de Wet acted as interpreter, and as secretaries:
for the British Representatives, Mr. O. Walrond, and for the
Commission representing the Republics, the Rev. J. D. Kestell and Mr.
D. E. van Velden.

The Commission met the British Representatives in Lord Kitchener's
house at 10 a.m. After the parties had taken their seats, General
BOTHA said: To begin with, I wish to say that although the
negotiations have occupied a longer time than we expected, I
nevertheless wish to give Your Excellencies the assurance of our good
faith, and that everything is done seriously with the object of
concluding the desired peace.

Further, I wish to say that everything we agree upon here must be
submitted to the Representatives of our People for approval.

Thereupon the British Representatives said that they would like to
hear what proposals the Commission had to make, and the letter (see
page 98) written by the Committee was read.

Lord MILNER: On account of the wide difference between this proposal
and that made by His Majesty's Government when we separated, I must
say that I foresee no hope for good results from negotiation on this
basis. I think that Lord Kitchener shares my view.

Lord KITCHENER: We can take these proposals into consideration, but I
cannot see how we can bring them into accord with those of His
Majesty's Government.

General BOTHA: If you take up that attitude, we would like to have a
final answer from you on our proposal.

Lord MILNER: Do you wish your proposal to be referred to His Majesty's
Government?

General BOTHA: Yes, unless you have authority to give a final reply.

Lord MILNER: I am convinced that your proposal will not be accepted,
and if you wish to make another proposal, it will injure you to refer
this proposal to His Majesty's Government.

General BOTHA: If you have authority to reject our proposed basis, we
would like to see you do so.

Lord MILNER: I have no hesitation to take upon myself to reject your
proposals. The instructions received by me and Lord Kitchener are so
clear on this point.

General BOTHA: Must I then understand that when Lord Salisbury said
some time ago that this war was not waged with a view to obtaining
territory he did not mean it?

Lord KITCHENER: There is now no question of territory, as the
annexation stands.

General BOTHA: I fail to see that