Even while friendly correspondence
was still going on an increase of troops on a large scale was introduced
by Her Majesty's Government, and stationed in the neighborhood of the
borders of this Republic. Having regard to occurrences in the history of
this Republic which it is unnecessary here to call to mind, this
Government felt obliged to regard this military force in the
neighborhood of its borders as a threat against the independence of the
South African Republic, since it was aware of no circumstances which
could justify the presence of such military force in South Africa and in
the neighborhood of its borders. In answer to an inquiry with respect
thereto, addressed to His Excellency the High Commissioner, this
Government received, to its great astonishment, in answer, a veiled
insinuation that from the side of the Republic (_van Republikeinsche
zyde_) an attack was being made on Her Majesty's Colonies and at the
same time a mysterious reference to possibilities whereby it was
strengthened in its suspicion that the independence of this Republic was
being threatened. As a defensive measure it was therefore obliged to
send a portion of the burghers of this Republic in order to offer the
requisite resistance to similar possibilities. Her Majesty's unlawful
intervention in the internal affairs of this Republic in conflict with
the Convention of London, 1884, caused by the extraordinary
strengthening of troops in the neighborhood of the borders of this
Republic, has thus caused an intolerable condition of things to arise
whereto this Government feels itself obliged, in the interest not only
of this Republic but also of all South Africa, to make an end as soon as
possible, and feels itself called upon and obliged to press earnestly
and with emphasis for an immediate termination of this state of things
and to request Her Majesty's Government to give it the assurance
(_a_) That all points of mutual difference shall be regulated by the
friendly course of arbitration or by whatever amicable way may be agreed
upon by this Government with Her Majesty's Government.
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