The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 2 April 1896, Page 2

The Transvaal.

0 The following extract from a letter from the Hod Mr Chamberlain to the High Commissioner of the Cape is pleasant reading:— On January 18, Mr Chamberlain indicated the nature of the reforms that should be granted, and in the comae of this communication he stated explicitly our position with reference to foreign intervention. There is a possibility that the President might be induced to rely on the support of some foreign Power in resisting the grant of reforms or in making demands upon Her Majesty's Government ; and, in view of this, I think it well to inform you that Great Britain will resist at all costs the interference of any

r — — foreign Power in the affairs of the South African Republic. The suggestion that such interference was contemplated by Germany was met in this country by an unprecedented and unanimous outburst of public feeling. In order to be prepared for all eventualities, it has been thought advisable by her Majesty's Govern* ment to commission a Flying Squadron of powerful man-of-war, with 12 torigejk) ships, and many other ves-jfrfe-are held in reserve. Her Majes■Wy's Government have no reason, at the present moment, to anticipate any conflict of interest with foreign Powers ; but I think it right for you to know that Great Britain will not tolerate any change in hsr relations with the Bepubhc, and that, while loyally respecting it 3 internal independence, subject to the conventions she will maintain her position as the paramount Power in South Africa, and especially the provision of Article IV. of the Convention of 1884.