Yours of yesterday. We fully realise the necessity of giving the Boer leaders all due opportunity of consulting their commandos, but we trust that no arrangements will be come to which will make it necessary for you to suspend operations until some definite arrangement is in view. We are continuing to send reinforcements. SURRENDER OF INDEPENDENCE. FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. PRETORIA, _April 19, 1902_, 11.40 A.M. The Boer representatives have all left. The meeting of elected representatives from commandos is arranged to be held at Vereeniging on 13th or 15th May. I did my best to hasten, but it was found impossible. I am not allowing facilities for meeting of commandos in Cape Colony, and none will be there. I have arranged with Boer leaders that foreigners serving with them shall have no vote, and that votes will be by ballot. Each commando will be represented by two Burghers. It is thought probable that the meeting at Vereeniging will take two days, after which, if favourable decision is arrived at, Boer representatives will come here to arrange final settlement. FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. PRETORIA, _May 17, 1902_, 6.55 P.M. Following telegram just received:-- "From State Presidents Burger and Steyn to Lord Kitchener. "We have the honour to communicate to your Excellency that, as a result of the Burghers assembling here, a commission has been appointed by our Governments to negotiate with your Excellency with a view to finishing the present hostilities. This commission consists of Louis Botha, Christian De Wet, Hertzog, Delarey, and Smuts. If your Excellency is agreeable to meet this commission we request you to appoint time and place of meeting." After consultation with Lord Milner I have sent following reply:-- "I have the honour to acknowledge your communication, and should be glad to be informed if the commission you announce have plenary powers to agree to terms for the cessation of hostilities. If so, Lord Milner and I will be prepared to receive them here. Colonel Henderson will arrange to put a train at their disposal directly they inform him when they wish to start." FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. PRETORIA, _May 18, 1902_, 2.15 P.M. Following is reply from Burger and Steyn:-- "In reply to your Excellency's telegram of this morning, we have the honour to inform you that commission, appointed in accordance with instructions by the Burghers assembled, has power to negotiate with your Excellency, subject to ratification by the Burghers." After consultation with Lord Milner, I have informed the Presidents we will be glad to meet the commission here to-morrow.