ABSTRACT
English statesmen frankly recognised that they were trustees on behalf of the interests of the native races of South Africa, and, according to the received view of the Dutch emigrants, their action would almost certainly imperil those interests. The Winburg district corresponded to about half of the present Orange Free State, the Potschefstroom district to the present South African Republic, while, between the Vet River and the Orange, there were several parties of emigrants acting independently. English public opinion was moving, and in 1840 Lord John Russell wrote that he was favourable to the settlement of Natal as a British Colony, though not prepared to expend large sums of money in conquering the country from the emigrant farmers. The Orange Free State was to have the right to purchase arms in any British possession in South Africa, and the Commissioner promised to recommend to the Colonial Government that privileges of a liberal character, relating to import duties, should be allowed.
