The news & observer., 1902-02-05
WITH BOERS ONLY
Great Britain Will Not Treat
With Others.
Text Of The Reply Of Lord Lansdowne to Dr.
KUyper the Premier of The
Netherlands.
(By the Associated Press.)

London, Feb. 4.-The British Govern
ment replied to DIR. Kuyper, the Dutch
PREMIER. that if the Beers in the field
desire to negotiate tor peace negotia-
tions can be entered into but. only in
South Africa. The British Government
adheres to its intention not to accept the
Intervention of any foreign power.
The text of the reply OF Lord Lans
| downe to the communication Of The Nth
erlands, Is as follows:
The Foreign Office. Jan. %.
'Sir:-You were good enough TO Law
before me, January %, communication
from the Ntherlands Government IN which
1t was proposed that with the object
oe bringing the war to an end. His Mai
estys Government might grant a safe
conduct to the Boer delegates now in
Holland for the purpose of enabling
them to confer with the Boer leaders in
South Africa 1t is suggested that, after
conference, the delegates might return
to Europe with power TO construct q
treaty of peace with this country. and
the Netherlands Government intimate
that in this event, they might, at a later
stage, be instrumental in placing the
Boer plenipotentiaries in relation with
plenipotentaries who might be appointed
by His MajeStys Government. The Meth
orlands Government intimate that if this
project commends itself 10 His Maiesty's
Government they will inquire of the dele
gates whether they are prepared to make
the suggested visit to South Africa. 1t
may, therefore. be inferred that the com
munication ] received was made on the
responsibility OF the Netherlands Govern
ment alone and without authority from
the Bocr delegates or leaders His Mai
esty's. Government have given il their
cest consideration and whilst entirely an
preciatiya of the motives of humanity
which led the Netherlands Government
10 make this proposal. they feel they
must adhere to the position adopted and
publicly announced by them some months
after the commencement OF hostilities by
the Beers, that it is not their intention
to accept the Intervention OF any foreign
power in South African war.
Should the Boer delegates themselves
desire to lay request fer a safe conduct
before His Majesty's Government there
is no reason why they should not do so
But His Majesty's Government. obviously.
arc not in a psition to express an opinion
on any such application until they have
received it and are aware Of the pre-
else nature and grounds whereoD the re-
quest is made.
4 may, therefore point out that ii is
not at present clear to His Majesty's
Government that the delegates retain anv
influence over the representatives of the
Beers in South Africa or have any voice
in their councils. They are stated by the
Netherlands Government to have no such
letters of credence or instruction of a
later date than March 1900. His Maj
esty's Government. on the other hand
understand that all the powers of Gov
eminent including those of negotiation,
were now completely vested in Mr. Steyn
for the Beers OF the Orange River Col
Cny, aud Mr. Schalk- burgher, for those OF
Transvaal Tf this is So it is evident
that the quickest and most satisfactory
means 9f arranging settlement would
be by direct communication between the
leaders Of the Boer forces In South Africa
and the commander-in-c chief Of His Maj
esty's forces. who has already been in
stIucted to forward Immediately any Of
fers he may receive, for the consider.
alton Of His Majestys Government.
In these circumstances, His Majesty's
Government have decided that IL the Boer
leaders should desire TO enter into nero-
tiations for the purpose Of bringing the
war to an end. these negotiations must
take place not in Europe. hut in South
Africa
ut should moreover .o borne in mind
that If the Boer lea ,ers are to occupy
time in visiting South Africa. in consult
ing with Boer leaders in the field anG
in returning to Europe for the purpose
or making known the results of their
errand. period of al least three months
would elapse. during which hostilities
would be prolonged ana luch human
suffering. perhaps. needlessiy oceasioned
(Sjgned) .'LANSDOWNE,"