LIFTING THE VEIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5235, 29 July 1919, Page 7

LIFTING THE VEIL.

MR. SEDDON’S MEETING WITH KITCHENER. “A STRONG MAN ; A STRONG . MAN.” FINAL SCENES IN THE: SOUTH AFRICAN PEACE DISCUSSIONS In an address under the title, “Camp Fire Ancedotes of Fields, Battles, and Bivouacs,” before the Wellington Philosophical Society on the South African War, Colonel Porter, C.B. (who is at present in Gisborne), related the circumstances of the meeting of Lord Kitchener, Lord Milner, and the late Premier of New Zealand (Mr. R. J. Seddon). Colonel Porter said that while visit ing the Headquarters of the Com-mander-in-Chief (Lord Kitchener) at Pretoria on April 11th, 1902, he was handed the following cablegram from tho late Mr. Seddon: “Will you accept command Coronation Contingent?” The cable .W&s referred to Lord Kitchener, who replied: ‘ ‘Accept, Colonel. You will have two months to finally act; and, by the way, why not get your Premier to come via South Africa ? I should much like to meet him.” Continuing, Colonel Porter stated: The Chief* then handed me a telegram form which I filled in, and submitted for his approval, and then dispatched it to New Zealand. It read as follows: ‘ ‘Lord Kitchener much like meet you, wishes me suggest you come Coronation Durban via Pretoria; see him and contingent, pick up Coronation, embark at Capetown. Lord Kitchener says otherwise regrets not able meet you. I am concentrating 7th, 9th and Coronation Contingents meet you at Natal and recommend this route. Regards. (Signed) Porter.” Acting upon this cablegram the Premier diverted his route as suggested. This led to a very successful notable tour throughout all South Africa, where the Premier’s reputation for Imperialistic loyalty had preceded him. 'Before returning to the column, then operating in. S.E". of Orange Free State, the v.nef, aware of the instructions, said: “I will advise yuu in time to meet your Premier at Durban, Natal, on his arrival. On May 17th, 1902, the Drayton •Grange, with the New Zealand detachments of the Coronation Contingents on board, arrived. It was arranged by the Commander-in-Chief that General Baden-Pov T ell, Captain Maxwell, A.D.C., and myS'elf should meet the party at the wharf. The steamer was due to arrive about May 14th, but was delayed by an accident at sea.

LIONISING OF MR. SEDDON.

Then followed enthusiastic receptions, banquets, etc., at principal centres, Durban, Maritzburg, Johannesberg, and Pretoria. The Governor’s train, placed at the Premier’s disposal, arrived at Pretoria j station on the morning of May 22nd, 1902. A carriage, sent by Lord Kitchener, met the-party, with a message by the A.D.O. that Mr. Seddon and Colonel Porter should proceed alone to Headquarters, and others o£ the retinue proceed to the Transvaal Hotel. Passing through the gates of the fine Boer House occupied by Lord Kitchener and Staff, the guard oi the “Black Watch” turned out ana saluted. Entering the large wellfurnished drawing room usecl by the Chief as an office and reception room the Chief met us, and I introduced the Premier. (It was in this room the final Peace was subsequently signed on May 31st, 1902.) . The first meeting of “Greek with Greek” was mutually, cordial, but itwas - evident each was measuring the other. After preliminary exchange of greetings between these notable men, I ventured the question to the Chief : “You will not require me further, sir?” “Colonel, you will please sit down. I want you to hear all I say to your Premier.” A SPEECH THAT WAS CENSORED. Lord Kitchener then took up. a position in front of the table,, facing Mr. Seddon, who stood with his back to the fireplace. I sat at the end of the table. A long discussion then took place upon the many subjects and aspects of the war. peace, etc., I being on several points referred to for corroboration of statements. At the outset Lord Kitchener placed upon the table a number of newspapers containing reports of "Mr. Seddon’s speeches at'the several receptions since his landing in _ South Africa. In one was a censored blank space which he pointed out, and said: , , “Mr. Seddon, I directed censors to report you in full, knowing 1 should have a personal opportunity of correcting any mistakes made by you. I apologise for this blank.’ “Many thanks, my Lord.” “Now", Mr. Seddon, the keynote of , your speeches is unconditional surrender. What do you understand by , that?” • . . 1 “You have the revolver at their head, therefore why make any condi- . tions?” , - “Quite true, I have the revolver , at their head, and for that reason I ] make conditions. Every man must - sign allegiance to King Edward the VII. then if they return to the held ] they 'are rebels, and will not be able -t to say they could not help themselves, having the revolver at their head.” - “Just so, my Lordl see good reason in that condition.” . (

Then, followed many emphatic expressions of opinion on both sides, temperamentally characteristic of the two strong men. At some of the replies and actions I could not, as a listener and on-loolcer, help being amused. The Commander-in-Chief in all arguments invariably came off the victor. The interview had lasted an hour and a half, when, nearing 1 o’clock, a message came that the. reception banquet was waiting us at the Transvaal. Lord Kitchener said: “Mr. Seddon, we have not quite exhausted all the points I should like cleared for vou, and if you will return afer the reception, I will arrange for my colleague the Administrator, Lord Milner, to be present.” “Very well, my Lord; I shall be glad to return.” I then put the question, “You will not require me again, sir?” “Colonel, you will return, please; I want you to hear all I say to your Premier.” Driving to the Transvaal, I asked the Premier his estimate of the Commander-in-Chief, and lie replied, “A strong man, a strong man.” ARRIVAL- OF BOER DELEGATES. Returning in the afternoon, Lord Milner and Kitchener were waiting, and after the formal introductions, etc., discussion of State affairs and peace terms were resumed. The position of parties was the same as m the morning; Lord Kitchener in front of the table, Mr. Seddon back to the fire, Lord Milner and myself at the respective ends of the- table. Then followed the most memorable historical event, at which, as one or four, I had the honour and privilege to be present. The Boer Armistice Peace delegates w r ere deliberating in a house near, and sent in a message they wished to meet the British represen.tatives to submit results and decisions upon the several conditions of Peace.

The Boer delegates were then admitted, and comprised: General Louis Botha, General J. H. De La Rev, General C. R. De Wet, General J. C. Smuts, Judge Hertzog, and Secretary F. W. Reitz.

Lords Milner and Kitchener received the delegates. Mr. Seddon and myself were permitted to be present as non-participants in the proceedings. The various clauses of conditions agreed to were read out by Secretary Reitz. Then followed the important clause they required amending to read as follows: ‘ ‘That the Republics retain their internal government of affairs under the British protectorate.” It was also stated that if refused every man would in the alternative die in the field rather than surrender their freedom.

KITCHENER ENDS THE ARGUMENT. Lord Milner said: “What is your opinion upon that point, Kitchener?” Turning to the* spokesman, Lord Kitchener said: “Repeat that clause and alternative' statement, which was done. “Oh,” he.said, “if it was simply a matter of dying in the field it would eud the matter, but you will I put me to the painful necessity of • killing everyone of you, for you will never regain your freedom. Every man must come in and sign allegiance to King Edward the VII. (This was emphasised by striking the table.) My Lord, you asked my opinion, and I have given it.” Disappointment and anger were depicted upon the faces of the several delegates, particularly De Wet.’s. They evidently saw it was useless contending further on that point and prepared to retire, hut before doing so put the question: “Do you absolutely refuse our united request for freedom ?” The reply was “Yes; the Republics must surrender their independence.” The delegates retired and went to Vereeniging to consider final terms. It is historically memorable that nine days subsequently the delegates returned to the same room to sign tho Peace that ended the Armistice and two years South African War. “WE ARE GOOD FRIENDS NOW.” The treaty was signed at 11.5 p.m. on May 31st, 1902. .The signatories were For the Republics: President S. W. Berger, General C. R. De Wet, General Louis Botha, General J. -H. Be La Rey, General C. H. Olivier, General L.' J. Meyer, Judge J. B. M. Hertzog, Mr. Krogh, Secretary F. W. Reitz, and Govt. W. J. C. Brebner. For the British: Lord Kitch-ener-.and Lord Milner (the latter , being the last to sign), Lord Kitchener then shook hands with all, saying: “We are good friends now.” Words that hold, so good to-day. ■ __ The Armistice lasted from May lo to 31, 1902. The conditions of peace were, considered by tlie representatives of the -S.A.R. and 0.F.t0. at Vereeniging,. and bears the name of the Vereeniging Peace,, although it was actually signed at Pretoria, as stated. The news of the completion of Peace reached us at sea by passing vessel on June 2nd, 1902, en voyage to the Coronation. : Tilt is appropriate to relate this seventeen-year-old incident at the present time _ while the great world war peace is in course of ratification, a peace that, it is hoped, will bring , lasting goodwill throughout all na- ) bions.