§ MR. GEORGE WYNDHAM (Dover)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether Sir Jacobus de Wet is absent from Pretoria, and has entrusted his responsibility for British interests, during his absence, to a Dutch gentleman who has taken the oath of allegiance to the Transvaal Government?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINSir Jacobus de Wet was granted a fortnight's leave of absence for reasons of health on February 18, and has now probably resumed his duties. During his temporary absence the High Commissioner arranged that those duties should be performed by Mr. Advocate Cloete, of Pretoria, a member of a highly respected Cape family, who have always been noted for their attachment to the British Crown, and some of whom have rendered distinguished services to Her Majesty and her predecessors. I am not aware whether Mr. Cloete has taken the oath of allegiance to the South African Republic, but, if he has, it is no bar to his temporary employment as our representative at Pretoria.