Lord MILNER: I hope it is understood that if the matter is left here, there is no obligation on my Government to deal with the matter in a particular way. Lord KITCHENER: But there is a pledge that the matter will be properly considered. Lord MILNER: Yes, of course, if we are going to put an understanding on record. Solemnly I think it is necessary that we understand that this document contains everything concerning which there is anything in the form of a "pledge." Lord KITCHENER: There is thus a "pledge" that this point which you have raised will be considered in your interest. General SMUTS: Now the question with reference to the payment of receipts still remains. Lord KITCHENER: That will be referred to the British Government. As regards the amount, that is an essential point, but I am of opinion that the amount is high. I would like to know whether it is understood now that we are agreed on all these draft proposals with your amendment? And that there are not any other matters? Because they will have to be telegraphed to England. Chief Commandant DE WET: We have no other matters. Lord MILNER: The proposed telegram which I wish to transmit reads as follows: "The Commission is prepared to submit the following document to the meeting of representatives of their Burghers (if it is approved of by His Majesty's Government), and to ask that meeting for a 'yes' or 'no' vote." Is that good? Chief Commandant DE WET: Yes, naturally, except that I cannot say that that document is approved of by me; but I will abide by what the Delegates do. General HERTZOG: I would not like it to be understood that we will use our influence with the Delegates. Lord MILNER: I think that that is quite understood. I do not understand that this binds the members of the Commission with reference to the opinion which they may express before the Burghers. It only binds them to lay this document before the people, if the British Government approves of it. The telegram which I have just read, and propose to send, makes this clear. I further wish to say that we have departed very much from the Middelburg proposals, and I believe it is fully understood that the Middelburg proposals are absolutely dead, and if this document is agreed to and signed, there can then be no attempt to explain this document or the terms thereof by anything in the Middelburg proposals. The meeting then adjourned. WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1902. The Commission again met Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener at 11 a.m. to hear the reply of the British Government to the draft proposal submitted to them by their Lordships.