SOUTH AFRICA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 178, 11 May 1935, Page 6

SOUTH AFRICA.

IMPERIAL RELATIONS. POSITION IN CASE OF WAR. LONDON, April 20. The "Manchester Guardian's" special correspondent in South Africa says that in spite of the South African Government's reluctance to co-operate in Imperial defence, a decision to remain neutral in the event of war would disrupt the United Party. Ministers realise that neutrality is an academic issue as a Dominion maintaining neutrality while the Mother Country is at war could hardly desire to remain within the Empire.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that an enemy would respect a Dominion's neutrality. While South African co-operation is regarded as the Union's business, there is a strong feeling in favour of Imperial co-operation, although no Government for the next quarter of a century would dare commit South Africa to definite participation in a general scheme of Imperial defence. "Nevertheless" continues the "Guardian," "if war came to-morrow, the feeling of the English-speaking South Africans would be sufficiently strong to force the country to join in, as in 1914, even if no fighting occurred in South Africa.

"Although participation is not so wholehearted as in the Dominions which are completely British in race and sentiment, nevertheless much has been done to assimilate ,South African defence technically to English standards.

"This especially is noticed in the air force, Avhile the naval defences are being overhauled. The infantry has been increased from 12 to 25 battalions and the artillery and auxiliary forces have been enlarged. At present the defence force is larger and more efficient than previously."