This Government may be permitted to point out
that the Convention of London of 1884, entered into
between this Republic and the Government of Her
Britannic Majesty, guarantees to the South African
Republic full and free internal administration with-



REPLY TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN. 227

out any interference from any one whatever. As
Lord Derby notifies in his despatch of the 15th Feb-
ruary, 1884:

" Your Government will be left free to govern the
country without interference, and to conduct its
diplomatic intercourse, and shape its foreign policy,
subject only to the requirements embodied in the
fourth article of the new draft — that any treaty with
a foreign State shall not have effect without the ap-
proval of the Queen."

In his despatch of the 4th February, 1896, the
Colonial Secretary, Mr. Chamberlain, states:

" In the next place, it is necessary that I should
state clearly and unequivocally what is the position
which Her Majesty's Government claim to hold
toward the Government of the South African Re-
public. Since the Convention of 1884, Her Maj-
esty's Government recognized the South African
Republic as a free and independent Government as
regards all its internal affairs not touched by the
Convention."

In a telegram, also from Mr. Chamberlain, dated
26th March, 1896, the same statement is substantially
made, viz. : " Her Majesty's Government do not
claim any rights under the Conventions to prescribe
particular internal reforms which should be made in
South African Republic."

This Government has always felt it a solemn duty
for the Republic to adhere strictly to the Conven-
tion of 1884 in its entirety; at the same time, it has
been consistent in protesting in the most forcible
manner against any interference or intermeddling
with the internal affairs of the Republic, and against
the discussion or treatment of these affairs with or



228 THE STORY OP THE BOERS.
