Transvaal (South Africa) -- History; Transvaal (South Africa) -- Politics and government
In diplomatic terms Mr. Chamberlain explains that the English Government
could not carry its condescension so far as to subject to the judgment
of a foreigner the result of its policy and the negotiations of its
diplomats. On April 16th, 1898, a claim was made by Dr. Leyds for: "A
tribunal under international law for the especial purpose of deciding
differences of opinion regarding the mode of Government, and the rights
and obligations of the South African Republic towards the British
Government." Again Mr. Chamberlain replied, on December 15th, 1898, that
the English Government could admit of no intervention of a Foreign power
between the Pretoria Government and itself.
During the afternoon of the second day of the Bloemfontein Conference
the arbitration question with regard to Swazieland, was raised by Mr.
Krueger. He returned to the subject on the third day, as follows:--
"In the event of Swazieland becoming part of my Republic; an
agreement being arrived at with reference to the Jameson Raid
indemnity; Her Majesty's Government agreeing to interfere no more
with my internal government; and arriving at an acceptable solution
of the Franchise Question; the matter of English subjects, who,
having no need to become burghers, yet still have reason to
complain of illegal actions, might be submitted to arbitration."
Sir Alfred Milner replied that: "the English Government could not allow
interference between itself and the South African Republic, of a foreign
power or influence; that it might, however, be possible to consider some
other way of nominating an impartial tribunal, and examining certain
questions; but that he himself was not authorised to do so."
In conclusion President Krueger said:--
"Give me Swazieland, the indemnity for the Jameson Raid, and
arbitration, in exchange for the Franchise, otherwise, I should
have nothing. These points would make something worth having."
Sir Alfred Milner's reply was that President Krueger had raised the
question of arbitration, without mentioning the manner of arbitration;
that there were some questions, with regard to which it could not be
admitted by the English Government; that there were others on which it
might be admitted; that, if proposals were put forward, he would submit
them to his Government.
Mr. Krueger's closing words were:--
"I have nothing to add, I shall submit the questions concerning the
Franchise to the Volksraad as soon as I receive the reply that the
English Government accepts my proposal of arbitration."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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