The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-05
TEXT OF THE NOTES.
Lord Lansdowne's Reply and The
Netherlands Proposition.

LONDON, Feb. 4.-The text of the reply
Of Lord Lansdowne, the British foreign
secretary, to the communication OF the
Netherlands, under date OF Jan. p. follows:
"Sir-You were good enough to lay be-
fore me, Jan. 25 communication from
The Netherlands government In which IL
was proposed that. with the object or
bringing the war to an end his MaJestys
government might grant a safe conduct 10
the Boer delegates now in Holland, for the
Iurpose of enabling them 10 confer with the
Boer leaders in South Africa IL is sug-
gested that, after a conference, the dele
gates might return 10 Europe with power
to conclude treaty OF peace with this
country; aQd The Netherlands government
intimate that In this event. they might. at
a later stage be instrumental in placing
the Boer plenipotentiaries in relation with
plenpotentiaries who might be appointed
by his Majesty's government The Neither
lands government intimate that II this pro-
ject cOmmends itself 10 his Majesty's gov
ernment they will inquire OF the delegates
whether they are prepared 10 make the
suggested visit TO South Africa. TX may,
therefore be inferred that the communica-
ton / received was made on the response
bility of The Netherlands government alone.
and without authority from the Boer dele
gates or leaders. His Majesty's government
have given IL their best consideration. ana.
while entirely appreciative OF the motives OF
humanity which led The Netherlands gov
ernment TO make this proposal. they feel
that they must adhere 10 the position
adopted and publicly announced by them
the hostilities by the Beers, that N n not
their intention 10 accept the intervention or
any foreign power in the South African
war.
should the Boer delegates themselves
desire 10 lay a request for safe conduct
before his Majesty's government there Is
no reason why they should not do So But
his MaieSty's government. obviously. are
not in a position 10 express an opinion on
any such application until they have re-
ceived IL and are aware OF the precise na-
ture and grounds swhereOn the request Is
made
at present clear 20 his Majesty's govern
rnent that the delegates retain any infiu-
ence over the representatives OF the Beers
in South Africa. or have any voice I'm their
councils. They stated by The Neither
lands government 10 have no such letters
ol credence or instruction or a later date
than March. 1900. His Majesty's govern
ment on the other hand understood that
an the powers OF government. including
those Of negotiation. were now completely
vested in Mr.. Steyn for the Beers OF the
Orange River Colony. and Mr. Schalk-
burger for those OF the Transvaai II this
most satisfactory means OF arranging a
settlement would be BY direct communica-
ton between the leaders OF the Boer forces
IN South Africa and the COMMANDMENTS
chief OF his Malestys forces. who has al
ready been instructed 10 forward imme-
diately any offers ne may receive for the
consideration OF his Majcsty's government.
ssIn these circumstances his Majesty's
government has decided that n the Boer
leaders should desire 20 enter into nego-
tiations for the purpose OF bringing the wGr