FORGET THE PAST

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 27, 27 October 1926, Page 11

FORGET THE PAST

ADVICE TO SOUTH AFRICA AND IRELAND BY LORD BIRKENHEAD BY Telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION.’ Copyright. v (Rec. October 2i>, 11.55 p.m.) Loudon, October 25. “We have been confronted by a great problem in South Africa,” said Lord Birkenhead at a dinner at the Irish Club, at which Sii Francis Bell. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir Janies Connolly mid other Dominion representatives were present. “We had the advantage of finding ourselves face to face with two remarkable men, General Botha and General Smuts, two great South Africans, who nevertheless took the view that the proper course was to burv the dead past. I do not for a moment believe that South Africa’s distinguished representative, ' General Hertzog, differs on essentials from the views of those cither in South Africa or here who have, attempted to recompose the elements of bitter difference. I do not see in the formula which General Hertzoq uses any suggestion of difference which could not be composed within the limits of that freedom which is the very meaning and essence of the Imperial relation.” Lord Birkenhead proceeded with a reference to Ireland in somewhat similar terms, lie recalled that Mt. Collins once said : “Von cannot treat us like Australia or Canada. \Vc do not care how trrent your daughter nations are. We are not a daughter; we are a parent nation.” Lord Birkenhead concluded with a statement that the past should be forgotten..