HC Deb 19 March 1901 vol 91 cc396-7
MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make a statement as to the present position of the pourparlers which it is alleged have been or are being conducted with General Botha, General De Wet, and possibly other generals, with reference to a cessation of active hostilities, as regards all or certain portions of the forces still opposing the British arms in South Africa.

The following questions also appeared on the Paper:—

MR. SCHWANN

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give the result of the negotiations, reported to have been established with General Botha and other generals in South Africa, with reference to the cessation of active hostilities between all or certain portions of the forces still opposing the British arms in that country.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give the House information as to the recent peace negotiations with the Boer generals.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.)

General Botha has informed Lord Kitchener by letter that he is not disposed to recommend the terms of peace, which Lord Kitchener was instructed to offer him, to the earnest consideration of his Government. He adds that his Government and his chief officers entirely agree with his views. I propose to lay the Papers connected with the negotiations on the Table to-night.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what were the terms offered?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Member will find them in the Papers which I propose to lay.