HC Deb 25 March 1901 vol 91 c1086
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reference to the Peace negotiations in South Africa, if he will withdraw the words "by loan" in reference to the assistance proposed to be given to the Boer farmers, in view of the fact that both Sir Alfred Milner and Lord Kitchener have expressed disapproval of those words, considering them likely to interfere with the success of the negotiations.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. The negotiations are closed, and His Majesty's Government adheres entirely to the views it has expressed on this subject.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that in respect of these conditions there is a great difference of opinion between the right hon. Gentleman, Sir Alfred Milner, and Lord Kitchener, these negotiations will be opened again with a view to settlement.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware of the great difference which the hon. Member supposes to exist, but in any case there is no intention of reopening the negotiations.

MR. PIRIE

How long will this intention remain?

[No reply was given.]