ith him. As a result, when by
appointment I saw Lord Roberts, he had had the matter put before him and
had agreed to its being carried out, with a few alterations as regards
detail. The chief points of the scheme were as follows:--

(1). That it was desirable to concentrate the strongest possible force of
mounted men then available in South Africa at Bloemfontein.

(2). That all further arrivals of mounted units from over the seas, or
raised locally in South Africa, should be sent on to Bloemfontein without
delay.

(3). That these units should be equipped as mounted infantry--that is to
say, that their chief arm should be the service rifle.

(4). That to each corps formed a strong unit of Imperial Mounted Infantry
should be attached.

(5). That these corps should be of sufficient numerical strength to act
as independent columns if desired.

(6). That whatever might be the strength of the contribution of any
individual Dominion or Colony, it would form one unit, under the command
of its own senior officer.

(7). That, in grouping together the units of the Colonies, care should be
exercised in their selection, so as to avoid any possible likelihood of
friction.

(8). That the officers selected to the commands should be the most
experienced in mounted infantry work, and young enough.

(9). That a special staff officer should be appointed to organize the
proposed mounted corps.

(10). That such a staff officer should be charged with the provision and
maintenance of the horses required and deal directly with the officers in
charge of remount depots.

(11). That such staff officer should be entrusted with the responsibility
of maintaining the units in an efficient state as regarded arms,
equipment, saddlery and clothing, and that, in order to successfully
carry out these duties, he should be permitted to draw all supplies
necessary in bulk direct from the Ordnance Depots at Capetown.

(12). That, in order to carry out this last suggestion as to supplies,
etc., the staff officer in question should have authority to arrange with
the General Officer Commanding the main Line of Communications for such
train services as might be required and establish his own depots wherever
necessary, and detail the personnel for the efficient service thereof.

Lord Kitchener recommended the propositions. Lord Roberts gave them his
approval and requested me to see him again on the next day, when he
desired me to submit to him in w