PEACE PROPOSALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 334, 6 February 1902, Page 2

PEACE PROPOSALS.

liUYPER SNUBBED.

LANSDOWNE’S DIGNIFIED REPLY,

GREAT BRITAIN OFFERS TO CONFER WITH FIGHTERS,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 5. Dr Kuyper’s and Lord Lansdowne’s notes, published, show that tho Dutch Government, on their own responsibility, and without the authority of the three Boer delegates in Holland or the leaders, proposed that Great Britain should grant a delegate safe conduct to the leaders in the field. The mission might hope to return in a fortnight, empowered to conclude peace.

Dr Kuyper admitted that the delegates’ credentials, dated March, 1900, compelled them to insist on independence, and not to permit tho establishment of a statu quo ante, unless the mode of settling disputes was at the same time settled.

Lord Lansdowne, while appreciating tho Netherlands’ humanity, said Great Britain adhered to her intention not to accept any foreign intervention. It was open to the delegates to request for a safe conduct, though Great Britain reservod her opinion until the precise nature of the request was disclosed. It was not at present clear that the delegates would retain any influence over tho Boers in South Africa, or have any voice in their councils. Great Britain understood that all powers of government and negotiations were completely vested in Steyn and Schalkeburger. The quickest and most satisfactory means of settlement would bo by direct communication with Lord Kitchener by the leaders in the field. Great Britain had decided, if the leaders desired to negotiate, they must do so in South Africa; for the European delegates to sit in South Africa would cause three months’ needless suffering.

COMMENTS ON THE REPLY.

WARMLY APPROVED OF.

Dy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, Feb. 5. The Times says Lord Lansdowne’s reply was dignified, weighty, and worthy of the responsible rulers of the Empire, and such as would afford the heartiest satisfaction to Englishmen at Homo and in the Colonies, and to all impartial foreigners.

Other Unionist newspapers endorse the Times’ comments.

The Daily News says that tho reply is irreproachable in stylo and temper, and gives hopes of a more favorable sequel of tho Boers’ delegates interview at The Hague. The reply is very friendly, showing that the Government is not animated by unjust motives. It has left tho way open for arriving at an understanding, provided Great Britain refrained from imposing insurmountable conditions.

The Germans attach importance to British recognition of Steyn and Schalkhurger as legal representatives.