| Description | Letter dated 19 April. Chamberlain writes to Hicks-Beach [1837-1916, politician and first Earl St Aldwyn] about Mr Rhodes' proposal [Cecil John Rhodes, 1853-1902, imperialist, colonial politician, and mining entrepreneur]. Chamberlain states that they cannot deal with it without consulting the Cabinet as it raises questions of national policy. He writes that in his opinion the Bechuanaland railway should be extended to ensure the 'proper & economical administration of the country', for which the government will be responsible if the Chartered Company should fail. He also notes that Mr Rhodes, 'whatever his faults may be', is influential in South Africa and the government must be seen to treat him with fair consideration. However, Chamberlain agrees with Hicks-Beach that Rhodes' proposals cannot be adopted. He suggests that they put before Rhodes the scheme that Chamberlain devised in February: Chamberlain thinks it probable that Rhodes would reject this scheme, in which case he would be responsible for terminating negotiations and could have no complaint. |