§ MR. BLACK (Banffshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the existing instructions to the Commander-in-Chief and High Commissioner in South Africa prohibit them from entering upon negotiations with the Boer leaders with the view of arranging terms, of peace; and, if so, whether he is now prepared to take into favourable consideration the revision of these instructions in the direction of giving these servants of His Majesty discretionary powers as to negotiation.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo. The instructions given in April, and printed at page 2 of Cd. 663, have not been revoked.
§ MR. BLACKMay I ask whether Lord Milner's functions are restricted to forwarding messages from the Boers?
§ MR. SPEAKERThat is not a question arising out of the right hon. gentleman's answer.