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June 17, 1883 (Rec. June 17, 1883). Telegraphic.

July 11, 1883. Telegraphic.

Lieut.-General L. Smyth (Rec. July 25, 1883). Telegraphic.

Transmitting a message from the Transvaal Government, asking whether Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to receive a deputation either before an Imperial Commission at Cape Town or in London for the reconsideration of the Convention.

Requesting him to inform the Transvaal Government that Her Majesty's Government consent to inquire into the working of the Convention, and will receive a deputation in London.

Reporting that the Transvaal deputation will consist of Messrs. Kruger, Dutoit, and Smit, and they desire to be received in September.

Requesting him to inform the Transvaal Government that it will not be convenient to receive the deputation in September, but that they may select any time after the end of October. Submitting a preliminary statement of the objections of the Transvaal Government to the Pretoria Convention of 1881, and the proposals in lieu thereof.

Acknowledging receipt of the memorial of the Deputation, and requesting to be furnished with fuller and more definite information as to the views and wishes of the Transvaal Government with regard to the arrangement to take the place of the Convention.

Furnishing the further explanations called for in Colonial Office letter of 19th instant, and stating readiness to submit in a few days the draft of a proposed new Convention.

Expressing the willingness of Her Majesty's Government to entertain their proposal to accept the modified boundary line as defined by Colonel Moysey, and stating that, on receiving a satisfactory reply, Her Majesty's Government will proceed at once with the consideration of their other proposals for the modification of the Convention.

Suggesting a slight modification of Colonel Moysey's line, by which Lotlakana (Rietfontein) would be included within the Transvaal, and that the settlement of the Transvaal and Griqualand West boundaries should be left to the Cape and Transvaal Governments.

Expressing a hope that the question of the Western boundary can now be settled and other questions proceeded with, and conveying the opinion that, for the reasons stated, it will be better to adhere to the line which excludes Lotlakana from the Transvaal.

Stating that they will not further urge the slight modification of the boundary suggested in their letter of the 28th January, but that the information obtained by the Secretary of State on this point is incorrect and contrary to facts; calling attention to the great importance of speedily arriving at a satisfactory settlement.

Requesting that payment of the half-yearly amount of interest on the Transvaal debt due to-morrow may be postponed for the present.

Transmitting copy letter from Transvaal Deputation requesting that payment of the half yearly interest on the Transvaal debt now due may be postponed, and recommending compliance with this application.

Accepting the proposed reduction of the debt by the sum of 127,000l., and calling attention to the question of compensation to the owners of those farms which, by the first article of the Pretoria Convention were placed outside the Transvaal.

Transmitting, with observations, a draft of the proposed Convention in substitution of the Convention of Pretoria; together with a map.

Recommending that 127,000l. of the Transvaal debt be remitted, leaving in round numbers, 254,000l. to be acknowledged in the proposed new Convention.

Acknowledging receipt of Draft New Convention, with map, and stating that delegates are unable to accept, without modification, some of the articles therein.