Mr. Hay to Lord Pauncefote.

No. 1612.]

Excellency: Referring to the correspondence had with Mr. Tower touching the desire of Her Majesty’s Government for information concerning the health and welfare of British prisoners in the Transvaal, I have the honor to inform you that a telegram was received late last night from the consul at Pretoria stating that Majors Capel and Humphries are both in fine health. Mr. Macrum adds that he is notified by the state secretary that all requests for payment of money to officers and also other inquiries regarding them must in future come through regular military channels at front; that he will not further recognize Mr. Macrum in any British official capacity.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.