HC Deb 07 June 1905 vol 147 cc945-6
MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of Stats for the Colonies who acted on behalf of the Transvaal Government in the negotiations which led to the understanding that the Transvaal would issue a loan for payment to Great Britain, which loan the mineowners were prepared to underwrite when issued.

MR. LYTTELTON

Lord Milner was cognisant of the course of the proceedings. I would point out to the hon. Member that the issue of a loan was a matter to be finally determined by the Legislative Council, and at the time when Mr. Chamberlain was in the Transvaal that Council still consisted of official members only, so that his object was to secure the approval of a fully representative meeting for the principle of a contribution to be subsequently given effect to by a Legislative Council by the passing of the usual form of a Loan Ordinance.

MR. AINSWORTH

Was there any authority m South Africa representing the Government of South Africa which undertook to issue the loan?

MR. LYTTELTON

No. Lord Milner was cognisant of the course of those negotiations, but was not present at them.