THE BOER WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11867, 20 January 1902, Page 5

THE BOER WAR.

CONCENTRATION CAMPS. IMPORTANT BLUE BOOK. KITCHENER'S HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS. . . . CHARGES OF CRUELTY DENIED. DEATHS IN DECEMBER. j By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright. London; January 17. A Blue Book published dealing with the war shows that the concentration camps were imperative owing to Botha's threat in November, 1900, to confiscate the property and bum the houses of surrendering burghers. Lord Kitchener offered not to dis- i turb the farms or families of burghers on commando provided the latter were not actively assisting their relatives if Botha would spare the farms and families of neutrals • or surrenderers. Botha, however, refused, telling Lord " Kitchener that he must take the surrenderers and their families out of the country, otherwise they would suffer. Lord Kitchener indignantly denied that there had been rough and cruel treatment of children. (Received January 19, 4.56 p.m.) V London, January 18. Out of 17,688 men, 42,905 women and 56,424 children in the Boer concentration camps in December, 160 men, 453 women and 1767 children, died. (Received January 19,. 5.1 p.m.) London, January 18. Owing to Botha's complaints regarding the treatment of women and children in the concentration camps Lord Kitchener in December last volunteered to allow those willing to leave to return to the Boers and inquired where Botha desired them to be sent, but no reply was received;' He also offered the Boer leaders safe conducts to inspect the camps.