Cables dated 22 February to 20 April 1922 (2 unrelated later cables included).
The cables, sent between 22 February and 20 April 1922, are addressed to Van Eyssen, Care Consoldia, Cape Town, being Dr. J.L. Van Eyssen, who was a Mining Engineer. During the Rand Rebellion of 1922 he was involved in the negotiations between Parliament in Cape Town, the Chamber of Mines, and authorities in Johannesburg. Some cables are written in coded language.
The cables in their chronological order demonstrate, how events unfolded from wage demands, developing into intimidation and violence and open rebellion. In February negotiations broke down between the Chamber of Mines and the South African Industrial Federation, which the cables claimed were involved in the strike. The cables also demonstrate how white mob violence lead to a random and widespread killing of black miners. Later, on the 11 March the cables reveal the readiness by the Chamber of Mines to meet with representatives of Mining Unions, but not of the Federation, at the same time informing how Government troops advanced against strikers from the 15 March on, taking strikers prisoners. The strike ceased to be effective as from Thursday 16 March. The cables indicate attempts by the Federation to re-establish itself, and how workers were now quick to seek re-employment, and the Mining houses being cautious whom they employ.
The first line of text is used as a description. Some of the cables appear to be written in code.
Van Eyssen, Dr. JL