HL Deb 22 March 1881 vol 259 cc1637-8
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

My Lords, before the House adjourns, I wish to say that since my noble Friend opposite (Earl Cadogan) asked me a Question in the earlier part of the evening in regard to the Transvaal, I find myself in a position to give the House more complete details. I will read to the House a short summary of what the arrangements are— In the first place, Suzerainty of the Queen acknowledged. 2. Complete self-government promised to the Boers. 3. Control of foreign relations reserved. 4. Resident at future capital. 5. Royal Commission—Sir Hercules Robinson, Sir Evelyn Wood, Chief Justice de Villiers. 6. Commission to consider protection of native interests and arrangements as to frontier affairs; 7. Question to be considered by the Commission, whether any and what portions of territory eastwards, within certain limits, shall be severed from the Transvaal. 8. Boers withdraw from the Nek, and disperse to their homes. 9. British garrisons remain until final settlement. 10. The Boers having engaged as above, Sir Evelyn Wood promises not to advance nor to send warlike stores into the Transvaal. Her Majesty's Government have intimated to Sir Evelyn Wood their approval of the arrangement.

VISCOUNT CRANBROOK

Are the British troops not to advance into the Transvaal, or not to advance at all?

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

The words I read were—"Sir Evelyn Wood promises not to advance nor to send warlike stores into the Transvaal." And that means that Sir Evelyn Wood is not to advance from his present position.

VISCOUNT CRANBROOK

Not within the limits even of Natal?

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

The meaning is precisely what I have stated. He is not to advance from his present position.

House adjourned at Seven o'clock, to Thursday next, half past Ten o'clock.