EX-SERVICE MEN

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 134, 2 March 1921, Page 5

EX-SERVICE MEN

CONFERENCE AT CAPETOWN

■ BRITISH EMPIRE LEAGUE TO BE FORMED

By Telegraph—Press Assoclation-Oopyright (Bee. March 1, 5.5 p.m.) Capo Town, February 28. The Empire Conference of ex-service men opened at the City Hall. A message was read from the King, declaring that he was sure that union of Empire warriors would strengthen the splendid spirit of fellowship evinced in the } v . a D and give a new life to the noble British idealg they fought so gallantly and successfully to save. Lord Haig, in his speech, dwelt upon the common heritage all the parts represented possessed in the Empire. They were partners in a world-wide federation of nations owning the King as a symbol of unity. A motion to form a British Empire League of ex-service men was adopted. A discussion followed on the basis of representation. Mr. Dyett (Australian delegate) said the Dominions should have one vote, not a vote for every ex-service organisation as suggested for South Africa, because the latter, unlike Australia, had failed to link up with rival organisations. I Mr. Leadley' (New Zealand delegate) considered Mr. Dyett wae making a mountain out of a molehill. It was not a question of South Africa out-voting Australia or New Zealand. They were there for each other’s benefit. Ultimately it was agreed that Britain and the Dominions should have two votes each. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. March 1, 7.80 p.m.) Cape Town, February 28. At the ex-servicemen’s conference General Smuts said he hoped the conference would help the Governments to deal with the welfare of soldiers. There . was a true and honest desire by the Gov- \ ernments and peoples of all parts of the Empire to do their best to meet cases of hardship. Lord Haig said the bond which held' ex-service men together should never be loosened, but should be handed unbroken and unbreakable down to their children’s children. There should be a guarantee for all time, throughout the wide Empire, of the maintenance of the wide ideals for which they had fought.— Reuter.