ABLE TO PAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 9

ABLE TO PAY.

S. AFRICA'S POSITION. Forego Reparations*—Discharge War Debt Dues. , SYMPATHY FOR GERMANY. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 12 noon.) CAPETOWN, June 26. The Government has intimated its most cordial agreement with President Hoover's proposal regarding the suspension of German reparations, and it will gladly forego its share of such payments whether conditional or unconditional. The Government lias informed the British Government that it highly appreciates the latter's offer of a similar postponement, but it is considered that South Africa's condition does not justify her taking advantage of it. The Leader of the Opposition, General Smuts, referred to Mr. Hoover's war debts offer as the most outstanding event in recent years. All the world looked to America for help, and she had not failed. Referring to the British offer to the Dominions, General Srnute said it would help Australia to re-establish herself, but so far as South Africa was concerned she was in a position to pay her debts and must do so. "We have never had to accept a moratorium," he said, "and it would be a climb down if wo did so now. I hope our Government, Avhich has talked so much of South Africa first, will put South Africa still first and continue to pay its debts. "The Government should thank the British Government for its generous offer, but should refuse it."