LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. PRETORIA, _May 19, 1902_, 7.20 P.M. Meeting took place at 11.30, and Boer commission made following proposals:-- 1. We are prepared to surrender our independence as regards foreign relations. 2. We wish to retain self-government under British supervision. 3. We are prepared to surrender a part of our territory. Lord Milner and I refused to accept these terms as basis for negotiation, as they differ essentially from the principles laid down by his Majesty's Government. After a long discussion nothing was decided, and it was determined to meet in the afternoon. Commission met again at 4 P.M., when Lord Milner proposed a form of document that might be submitted to the Burghers for a "Yes" or "No" vote. There was a good deal of objection to this, but it was agreed finally that Lord Milner should meet Smuts and Hertzog with a view of drafting as far as possible an acceptable document on the Botha lines. They will meet to-morrow for that purpose. Lord Milner stipulated for the assistance of Sir Richard Solomon in the preparation of the draft documents. FOR A "YES" OR "NO" VOTE. FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. PRETORIA, _May 21, 1902_, 4.50 P.M. Commission are prepared to submit the following document to the Burghers assembled at Vereeniging for a "Yes" or "No" vote if his Majesty's Government approves of its terms:-- "His Excellency General Lord Kitchener and his Excellency Lord Milner, on behalf of the British Government, and Messrs. M. T. Steyn, J. Brebner, General C. R. de Wet, General C. Olivier, and Judge J. B. M. Hertzog, acting as the Government of the Orange Free State, and Messrs. S. W. Burger, F. W. Reitz, Generals Louis Botha, J. H. Delarey, Lucas Meyer, Krogh, acting as the Government of the South African Republic, on behalf of their respective Burghers desirous to terminate the present hostilities agree on the following articles:-- "1. The Burgher forces in the field will forthwith lay down their arms, handing over all guns, rifles, and munitions of war in their possession or under their control, and desist from any further resistance to the authority of his Majesty King Edward VII., whom they recognise as their lawful Sovereign. The manner and details of this surrender will be arranged between Lord Kitchener and Commandant-General Botha, Assistant Commandant-General Delarey, and Chief Commandant de Wet. "2. Burghers in the field outside the limits of the Transvaal or Orange River Colony, on surrendering, will be brought back to their homes.