Immediately after the sentences passed in Pretoria the Government of
the Transvaal published a set of cipher tele- grams which they had seized, and which were deciphered by aid of a key found in Dr. Jameson's baggage. These tele- grams suggest that in December last the Reform leaders in Johannesburg were arranging for an invasion from Mafeking, and that Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Beit at Cape Town were aware that this was the case, and consented to it. The telegrams from Cape Town to Johannesburg are signed " Harris," that is, as is supposed, the Secretary to the Chartered Company, and the terms used are those of company promotion. The most important of them on December 23rd, a week before the battle of Krugersdorp, directed to Dr. Jameson, rune as follows :—" Company will be floated next Saturday 12 o'clock at night. They are very anxious you must not start before 9 o'clock and secure telegraph office silence. We suspect Trans- vaal is getting aware slightly." There was, however, hesitation in Johannesburg, and on December 26th this message was cancelled, and Dr. Jameson directed not to move, but an officer, said in the telegrams to be Captain Maurice Heany, was sent to Mafeking to consult with or inform Dr. Jameson. The latter, for reasons not explained in the telegrams, nevertheless moved, with what results we know. With respect to this knowledge of the invasion by the rulers of the Chartered Company, the following telegram is important. It is dated Johannesburg, December 21st, and is addressed by Colonel Rhodes to "Charter, Cape Town" :— " Please inform 0. J. Rhodes that it is stated that Chairman [Dr. Jameson P] will not leave unless special letter inviting him. Definite assurance has been given by all of us that on day of flotation you and he will leave. There must be no departure from this as many subscribers have agreed to take shares on this assurance. if letter necessary it can still be sent but it was agreed document left with J. A. Stevens was sufficient and that you are responsible for Chairman's departure. It is very important to put this right. Reply to Lionel Phillips."
