HC Deb 08 March 1905 vol 142 cc709-10
MR. MARKHAM

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Lord Milner has forwarded him a report of the speeches of Generals Botha, De la Rey, and Mr. Esselen, delivered at Pretoria on January 28th and at Heidelberg on February 1st, calling his attention to the statements of those speakers that the Boers declined to take any part in the government of the Transvaal till full self-government had been granted to the colony in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Vereeniging, and that if His Majesty's Government were of opinion that the time was not ready for granting this, the Boers would prefer the existing form of government should be maintained to any form of part self-government; and will he say what reply has been given to the representations of the Boer leaders on this subject.

MR. LYTTELTON

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative. I have deferred making a reply to the representations of the Boer leaders for the present. But I would point out that Article 7 of the Terms of Surrender runs as follows:— "Military administration in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony will, at the earliest possible date, be succeeded by civil government, and, as soon as circumstances permit, representative institutions leading up to self-government will be introduced."

MR. MARKHAM

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had any information from South Africa as to whether the country was ready for responsible government.

MR. LYTTELTON

replied that he had a great deal of information on the subject.

MR. MARKHAM

asked how long it would be before an opportunity would be given to discuss this question.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

said that on the Colonial Vote, which under the exigencies of Supply must be taken before March 31st, he would be able to meet that demand.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Will the Government last so long?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If they do not last so long the arrangement will fall to the ground.