Mr. Bayard to Mr.
Olney.
Embassy
of the United States,
London, January 17,
1896. (Received Jan. 27.)
No. 575.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
copy of a note from Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, dated January 16 instant,
to the foreign office, in relation to arrest of a number of the leading
citizens of Johannesburg, and their imprisonment by the South African
Government, among them being several citizens of the United States.
The comity and kindness of her Majesty’s Government in extending their
protection over these American citizens, in a distant and disordered
region, has been made known to you, and evoked expressions of your
gratitude, which have heretofore been made the subject of my
correspondence with the foreign office and yourself.
I am glad to see in the newspaper press proof of a recognition in the
United States of the voluntary and friendly action by Her Majesty’s
Government toward our fellow-countrymen held in durance under
distressing and trying circumstances.
Mr. Chamberlain’s announcement that their cases will be watched by legal
counsel employed under his direction, in common with British subjects in
like condition, is very satisfactory, and I inclose a copy of a note I
have addressed to Lord Salisbury, expressing appreciation of the comity
and kindness thus exhibited toward our countrymen in South Africa.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
575.]
Mr. Meade to
Under Secretary of State, foreign
office.
Downing Street, January 16, 1896.
Sir: I am directed by Mr. Secretary
Chamberlain to acquaint you, for the information of the Marquis of
Salisbury, that on learning that [Page 565] numerous arrests had been made in the South
African Republic of the leading residents of Johannesburg,
including, besides British subjects, many citizens of the United
States of America and other nationalities, he sent a telegram, of
which a copy is inclosed, to the high commissioner, Sir H. Robinson,
asking for information on the subject.
A reply has been received from Sir H. Robinson stating that the
accused are between fifty and sixty in number, and are mostly
members of the reform committee at Johannesburg.
They have been arrested on charges of treason and of seeking to
subvert the State by inviting the cooperation and entrance into it
of an armed force.
It is understood that the proceedings are based on sworn information,
and that the trials will take place before the high court of the
South African Republic, and it is alleged that the Government of the
Republic are in possession of documentary evidence of the existence
of a widespread conspiracy to seize upon the Government and to make
use of the wealth of the country to rehabilitate the finances of the
British South African Company.
The accused are being well treated and are represented by able
counsel.
Sir H. Robinson, on taking leave of the President of the South
African Republic, urged upon him to exercise moderation in regard to
the accused persons, so as not to alienate the sympathy he now
enjoys of all right-minded persons.
He adds that the question of admitting the accused to bail is a
matter entirely in the hands of the attorney-general; that the
Government seem to be acting within their legal rights, and that the
mines are at work, and industry does not seem to be
disorganized.
Mr. Chamberlain desires me to add that counsel will be employed to
watch the trials on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government and on behalf
of British and Belgian subjects and United States citizens, and he
would be glad if Lord Salisbury would communicate this information
to the United States and Belgian Governments.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
575.—Telegram.]
Mr. Chamberlain
to Sir Hercules
Robinson.
January 14, 1896—2.10
p.m.
Press telegrams state numerous arrests of leading residents on the
Rand, including many Americans, Germans, and other nationalities.
Fear that number of these arrests of active managers,
representatives, may disorganize industry on the Ran d. Wish to know
of what accused, when brought to trial, whether bail allowed, and
what penalties prescribed by law. Shall be glad to learn from
President of South African Republic what his intentions are in this
matter, which affects the subjects of so many States. Propose to
communicate President’s reply to American and Belgian Governments,
which have already asked us to take charge of interests of their
respective citizens.
[Page 566]
[Inclosure 3 in No.
575.]
Mr. Bayard to
Marquis of Salisbury.
Embassy of the United States,
London, January 17, 1896.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge,
with many thanks, the copy of the note (inclosed by Mr. Bertie at
your lordship’s request) of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, transmitting
to the foreign office information relating to the arrests of the
leading inhabitants of Johannesburg in the South African Republic,
among whom were several citizens of the United States—and announcing
that counsel will be employed to watch the trials on behalf of Her
Majesty’s Government and on behalf of British and Belgian subjects
and United States citizens—and suggesting that this information
should be communicated to the United States Government.
I shall lose no time in fulfilling the wishes of Mr. Secretary
Chamberlain thus expressed, and beg to indicate the full
appreciation of my Government for the comity and courtesy thus
exhibited by Her Majesty’s Government toward it and its
citizens.
I have, etc.,