With the object of finally terminating the existing hostilities, we have the honour, by virtue of the authority from the Governments of both the Republics, to propose the following points as a basis of negotiations, in addition to the points already offered during the negotiations in April last:-- (_a_) We are prepared to give up our independence as far as foreign relations are concerned; (_b_) We wish to retain internal self-government under British supervision; (_c_) We are prepared to give up a portion of our territory. If Your Excellencies are prepared to negotiate on this basis, the above-mentioned points can be more fully set forth. We have the honour to be, Your Excellencies' obedient servants, LOUIS BOTHA, C. R. DE WET, J. H. DE LA REY, J. B. M. HERTZOG, J. C. SMUTS. _Minutes of Conference held at Pretoria on Monday, May 19, and following days between_ Lord KITCHENER _and_ Lord MILNER, _representing the British Government, and_ Commandant-General Louis BOTHA, Chief Commandant C. R. DE WET, General J. H. DE LA REY, General J. B. M. HERTZOG, _and_ General J. C. SMUTS, _representing the Meeting of the People's Delegates assembled at Vereeniging on May 15, 1902_. Mr. Advocate N. J. de Wet acted as interpreter, and as secretaries: for the British Representatives, Mr. O. Walrond, and for the Commission representing the Republics, the Rev. J. D. Kestell and Mr. D. E. van Velden. The Commission met the British Representatives in Lord Kitchener's house at 10 a.m. After the parties had taken their seats, General BOTHA said: To begin with, I wish to say that although the negotiations have occupied a longer time than we expected, I nevertheless wish to give Your Excellencies the assurance of our good faith, and that everything is done seriously with the object of concluding the desired peace. Further, I wish to say that everything we agree upon here must be submitted to the Representatives of our People for approval. Thereupon the British Representatives said that they would like to hear what proposals the Commission had to make, and the letter (see page 98) written by the Committee was read. Lord MILNER: On account of the wide difference between this proposal and that made by His Majesty's Government when we separated, I must say that I foresee no hope for good results from negotiation on this basis. I think that Lord Kitchener shares my view. Lord KITCHENER: We can take these proposals into consideration, but I cannot see how we can bring them into accord with those of His Majesty's Government. General BOTHA: If you take up that attitude, we would like to have a final answer from you on our proposal. Lord MILNER: Do you wish your proposal to be referred to His Majesty's Government? General BOTHA: Yes, unless you have authority to give a final reply.