A REBEL DUTCHMAN.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 72, 24 March 1916, Page 6

A REBEL DUTCHMAN.

A Rebellion Commission is sitting in Capetown in connection with the late rebellion in South Africa. Some very interesting documents have been put in, not the least of which is one from the rebel leader Wessels to a Basuto captain named Lutsaanie. The document stated: “Herewith I approach you to inform you that we shall place no guards cn the Basuto border provided we can hold ourselves assured that your .people will hold themselves quiet. “We wish to carry out a w r ar of white people against white people, and only in case the British arm the coolies do Ave reckon upon your then desired help. ‘(We guarantee you, seeing that we are assured of conquering the British, your independence and the unhinder--1 ed possession of your country on conJ dition that you rest quiet ti.l Ave desire you otherAAflse.

“Understand Avell AA r e desire to leave you and your subjects wholly unmolested ,and reciprocally Ave expect the •same from you 'and your people so far as our people is concerned. “Spread this news as much as possible in Basutoland, particularly that we stand cn the side of the German Government and Emperor Wilhelm, whose troops Avith cannon are already on the Avay to meet us in order to unite Avith us. “Be so friendly as to hand your reply to this dispatch to the bearer. “Done in the Field, November 15th, 1914. “(Signed) W. J. WESSELS, “Asst. Comdt.-General.” A letter addressed by Wessels to “the chief captains cf the Basutos, Griffiths and Joel,” under date November 16th, 1914, was also put in by SubInspector Trigger. The letter was in almost identical terms to the one quoted abOA r e, and stated, inter aba, that “our union Avith. the German troops, accompanied by cannon, Avhich are on their Avay to meet us, will speedily take place.”