PEACE PROPOSALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 93, 21 April 1902, Page 5

PEACE PROPOSALS.

& SETTLEMENT

HOPED FOR

THE BOER CONFERENCES

& TANGIBLE BASIS OF

PEACE

LONDON, April 19.

In the House of Commons Mr Balfour stated that Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener had twice conferred with the Boer delegates.

Lord Kitchener, at their request, aoTeed to afford facilities for the election and meeting of representatives of commandos to consider the position.

In the House of Lords Lord Salisbury read a statement in identical terms to that read in the House of Commons.

The statement has caused an excellent impression in the lobbies, city circles and clubs.

The election of representatives is interpreted to mean that the delegates are in full possession of a tangible basis of peace.

The consensus of opinion of the newspapers is that the Boer leaders in the field are convinced that their own scheme for a settlement is impossible, and the fact that the Boers are negotiating for peace without an armistice is interpreted to mean that they do not anticipate a mandate to resume the struggle.

The "Daily Telegraph" says the Boer leaders brought no plans to the conference, but sought an official assurance regarding- the future of the conquered republics and the British plans of rehabitation. This assurance was given.

The "Standard" suggests that a consultation is intended to satisfy Lord Milner that the delegates were able to pledge the whole Boer community: The "Times" and "Standard" agree that it would be premature to assume that the burghers' representatives had decided on the question of surrender, but the leaders no longer show Kruger's and Leyd's intractableness. Mr Bali'ours cautious announcement is emphasised, also the firmness and consistency of Britain's policy

LONDON, April 20.

Lord Kitchener refused the delegates' request for an armistice whilst consulting1 the commandos.