General HERTZOG: The Commission spoke informally to Lord Milner about the farms which have already been sold or confiscated by the British. He replied that they could not be returned to the former owners, but that the purchase-price would be refunded to them. About twenty farms had been thus sold, all situate in the Orange Free State. Landdrost STOFBERG: Does Clause 5 signify that the medium of instruction will be Dutch? General SMUTS: There is nothing against it in this Clause. According to this Clause the Dutch language will be taught, but it is not stipulated that Dutch will be the medium of instruction. My own impression is that the language in the schools will be English, but if the parents desire it, Dutch. Landdrost STOFBERG: It means therefore that the language medium will be English, but that Dutch will also be allowed. General HERTZOG: Lord Milner declared that he wanted only one language in South Africa, and that was English. English will be the medium. Landdrost STOFBERG: A foreign language therefore? General DU TOIT: What will be the Constitution of the Civil Government? General BOTHA: It will be that of a Crown Colony. General KEMP: Is no time fixed within which Civil Government must be introduced? General BOTHA: No. General DU TOIT: In Clause 9 mention is made of war taxes. Will there be no other taxes? General BOTHA: The British Government says that they will not defray their expenses out of a tax on the farms. Commandant ALBERTS: No war tax--therefore there will be other taxes? General SMUTS: Yes, certainly, but they will be imposed on all inhabitants. Mr. P. R. VILJOEN: If anyone has a Government note or receipt must he prove how he obtained it? General SMUTS: Clause 10 is directed against speculators who have bought up notes. Commandant JACOBSZ: What course will be pursued in cases where notes have passed from hand to hand? General BOTHA: The Clause is directed only against speculators. Mr. BIRKENSTOCK: Do the words: "to assist those who are not able to assist themselves," mean that widows, orphans and maimed will be assisted? General BOTHA: Yes. Mr. BIRKENSTOCK: A pension, for instance? General BOTHA: No pension. Commandant FLEMMING: Was nothing said about receipts issued by the British themselves? General DE WET: Lord Kitchener said that they would not be paid out till after the war, but not to speculators. Commandant FLEMMING: There is therefore hope for British receipts? General DE WET: Yes. Mr. NAUDE: Is a man a burgher who became such after the commencement of the war? Advocate L. J. JACOBSZ: No one is a burgher who became such after the war had begun. Mr. BIRKENSTOCK asked a question with reference to creditors. General BOTHA: In reply to Mr. Birkenstock I may say that we discussed that question formally, but the British representatives would not bind themselves with reference to the new Government's future policy, but asked us to trust that new Government to protect debtors.