The Boer Generals.

Manawatu Herald, 13 September 1902, Page 2

The Boer Generals.

The Boor Generals have sailed for The Hague.

Mr Chamberlain refused their request that refugees should be allowed to return to the late Republics without swearing allegiance, and declined to reappoint certain Boer officials to their old positions. It is believed the Generals are organising an extensive lecturing tour in Britain, America and Europe in an irreconcilable spirit CONFERENCE WITH MR CHAMBERLAIN.

A Parliamentary paper gives details of the recent conference between Mr Chamberlain and the Boer Generals.

In a letter dated 20th August, the Generals formally requested an interview, and submitted a list containing eleven points for consideration.

These points included an amnesty for all British subjects who fought against the Crown, pensions for widows and orphans of burghers, equal rights of the Dutch and English languages in schools ami law Courts, reinstatement of officials of the late Republics in the public service or compensation for Joss of office, and compensation for all loss occasioned to the burghers by the war.

Mr Chamberlain replied .that he was greatly surprised at the manner and character of the proposals, which virtually reopened the peace treaty. He absolutely refused to entertain them, but was willing to consider the best manner of carrying out the terms agreed upon at Vereeniging. The Boer Generals asked for the retrocession of the territory ceded to Natal. They protested against the compulsory administration of the oath of allegianee by burghers, and expressed dissatisfaction that there had been no amnesty granted on the occasion of the Coronation. Mr Chamberlain declined an interview until the disposition to re-open the terms of surrender was abandoned. Ho said the Imperial Government would not hinder any generous intentions which Natal or the Cape Colony might have regarding rebels. Mr Chamberlain referred to the hostile speeches delivered by Mr Reitz, which, ha said, justified his exclusion from South Africa. General Botha said it was unfair to visit the sins and follies of one man on the others—they should let the offender suffer. He appealed to Mr Chamberlain to trust the surrenderors.

Mr Chamber!ain said, “ We trust them entirely until they give us reason to doubt them ” He assured General Botha there would be no c rapulsory acquisition of land for colonisation without ample opportunities being given for criticism.