The Transvaal Difficulty.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 170, 18 February 1896, Page 3

The Transvaal Difficulty.

London, February 15. A German White Book has been published containing a despatch by Baron Marschall von Bilberstein, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Count Halzfeldfc, Ambassador in London, urging that the interests of Germany required that the autonomy of the Transvaal should be maintained in terms of the treaty in 1884, also the statu quo ante with regard to Delagoa Bay. It further pointed out that the commercial union of the African States would be injurious to Germany. As early as December 24 Kruger was taking precautions against a raid. The German Consul at Pretoria was authorised on December 81 to summon fifty marines from a warship to protect the consulate. In the House of Commons Mr Labouchere moved an amendment to the address, insisting on an enquiry into the financial and political action of the Chartered Company. Mr Chamberlain, in a brilliant reply, which was loudly cheered, said the enquiry would cover Jameson’s invasion and the causes of agitation in the land; also, the conduct of the Chartered Company. He himself favored a judicial commission. Mr Rhodes had returned almost as a private individual, with a life’s work jeopardised and possibly destroyed. Despite his faults he was capable of great service to Home Rule in Rand. He regretted that the publicity of his despatch has caused irritation in the Transvaal, but this would have no detrimental effect on his continuing friendly relations with the President. Pretoria, February 14. President Kruger was much incensed on receipt of the summary of Mr Chamberlain’s despatch. He has published a. reply in the Dutch newspapers, declaring it was ill advised and premature, and that the publicity of the text disclosing the British position is calculated to embarass the Government who will not suffer Mr Chamberlain to iutefere in the internal affairs of the Transvaal.

London, February 16. In connection with the suggested formation of a Chartered Company in the northern territory, Mr Chamberlain states that it is not intended to advise revoking or amending the agreement assigning the territory to South Australia. Jameson received an ovation on arrival at Malta.

Pretoria, February 16. Kruger, in the course of an interview, said he intended to summon the Volksraad to sanction the visit of himself and Executive officers to England to discuss Chamberlain’s proposals. He added that he hoped to enfranchise 7000 Loyalists shortly.