THE DEBATE
CONSIDERABLE FEELING AUutSfcl). TRADE ROUTES MUST BE PROTECTED. (Received March 8, 8.5 a.m.) CAPETOWN, 7th March. Considerable feeling was aroused during the debate, and there was much discussion on the apparent inconsistency on Mr. Saver's and General Botha's speeches. The Hoh. J. W. Sftuer said he feared that the contributions to the Navy from the different parts of the Empire were not wholly spontaneous. He doubted if South Africa could follow Canada's policy of having & Minister on the Council of Defence. He felt that South Africa must ,do something to protect hef trade routes. He pointed out that South Africa had contributed £936.000 to the British Navy apart from half a million annually m the form of preferential duties. It was the primary duty of the country that wanted this protection from the Empire to find the means. The increase in British and German arm&« ments was absolutely wicked, and any encouragement in that direction would be Unfortunate. Mr. Ficha,rdt, an Orangian member, contended that South Africa's present contribution was much too high. He asked whether in the negotiations a line on General Botha's or Mr. Saver's speech would be followed. General Hertswg described the Empire as a sort of alliance of all Dominions under Great Britain. He considered that the protection of, trade was the first duty of the carriers of that trade, and the defence of the country was the first essential of South Africa. He doubted whether the community had monoy chough to make a substantial gift. He Vehemehtly protested against General Botha going to England. The Government should first formulate proposals, and submit them to the House, and then negotiate with England. Tho Hon. F. S. Malan, Minister of Education, pointed out that the Imperial Government spent hundreds of thousands in the Union, and the question was whether the Union should take over these works. It was impossible to decide a policy without discussion with the Imperial Government
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 5
Word Count
324THE DEBATE Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 5
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