SOUTH AFRICAN COALITION.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20790, 25 February 1933, Page 15

SOUTH AFRICAN COALITION.

PRINCIPLE OF UNITY. HBRTZQG AND SMUTS AGREE. (UKITSD PRESB ASaoqUTIOK— BY ELECTSIC TELBORAPH-H3OPYRIOHT.) (Received February 24, 7.20 p.m.) CAPE TOWN, February 23. General J, B, M. Hertzog (Pjime Minister) find General Jan Smuts leader of the South African party), have agreed on, a coalition. The terms will be disclosed at a caucus to-mor-row. Dr. D. F, Malari (Minister for Health, leader of the group of Cape Nationalists) will lead the Opposition. The Coalition agreement is understood to leave the native question in abeyance, recognising that problems of national restoration are more urgent. The other main difficulty solved by tho agreement Is that the unitary principle of South Africa will be maintained though • the provincial system will be entrenched and strengthened. It is believed tho resignation of Dr. Malan, and perhaps of two other Ministers, from the present Cabinet, is imminent. The whole country, however, is thrilled at the opening of a new chaptor in South African history, which General Smuts regards as the most hopeful for racial peace for a generation, [This alliance of Genoral Smuts's South African party and the Nationalist Government party led by the Prime Minister appears to mean tho end of Mr T. J. Roos's ambition to form a Coalitiort Government with himself at the head. Mr Roos resigned a judgeship to lead a coalition movement, and made unsuccessful overtures to General Smuts. The negotiations failed on his insistence that liq should be prime Minister, and on- the Cabinet representation which he offered to tho South African party. Dr. Malan leads a group of disaffected Nationalists, whose opposition has presumably forced General Hertzog to come to*an understanding with General Smuts.]