§ CAPTAIN SINCLAIR () ForfarshireI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the statement of President Steyn, denying the annexation by the Orange Free State of portions of Cape Colony (see p. 217 Parliamentary Paper, Cd. 43), Her Majesty's Government have received any information further than that contained in Sir Alfred Milner's despatch of 28th October, 1899 (see p. 101, Cd. 43), in reference to the alleged annexation by the Government of the South African Republic or Orange Free State of portions of the Cape Colony, and in that of 16th November, 1899 (see p. 166, Cd. 43): and whether he can give the dates and terms of the proclamations of annexation said to have been issued.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The proclamations received as printed at p. 218 of Cd. 43 do not announce annexation, but have been interpreted in that sense. Speeches have been made by commandants on occupying places in the colony to the effect that they were now part of the Republics, and British subjects have been systematically commandeered. Moreover, the Presidents have stated that those African-born inhabitants of the colonies of Natal and of the Cape Colony, who have joined them 363 in the conflict, are considered and treated by them as citizens of the State among the forces of which they are found.
§ CAPTAIN SINCLAIRput another question, which was inaudible in the Press Gallery.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI do not think the hon. Gentleman has raised any fresh point. I have answered his question.