Sechele and the London Missionary Society both complained about the Boers' actions to the Colonial Secretary in London. But because the British were at that time negotiating with the Boers over the Sand River Convention, the British High Commissioner was instructed not to go beyond "friendly remonstrances" with the Boers over the matter. The British did not want to risk their relationship with the Boers by appearing to side with Sechele. Moreover, British interests lay in consolidating their own position in the area, rather than protecting the African inhabitants from the Boers. Sechele set out for England with the intention of seeking the protection of Queen Victoria, but his resources ran out by the time he reached Cape Town.