GENERAL SMUTS PLEASED.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 125, 23 November 1926, Page 9

GENERAL SMUTS PLEASED.

DIPLOMATIC UNITY UNAFFECTED

(Received 23rd November, 9.30 a.m.) CAPETOWN, 22nd November.

Interviewed by the "Cape Times," General Smuts said that he cordially welcomed the Imperial Conference report on Dominion status, which leaves the position substantially as it. was generally understood since the Peace Conference, and as repeatedly stated by spokesmen of the Imperial* Government, and by himself and other Dominion representatives. - A number of small adjustments were proposed, which clear up minor points, but these do not touch tho great principles. These refer to tho King's title, the position of Governors-General, and their recognition as Consuls, the exercise of the King's veto, the operation of Dominion laws outside their own territories, and appeals to the Privy Council. The equality of the Dominions is affirmed in broad terms, but tho diplomatic unity of tho Empire is unaffected, and tho lead in foreign affairs continues to bo taken by the British Government. The

principle of consultation whore other parts of tho Empire are affected is fully maintained, treaty-making power being loft practically as it was settled at the 1923 Conference. General Smuts added that he was pleased with what had been done, as well as pleased with what had been wisely lot alone. He was still more pleased that General Hertzog was at last satisfied, and that ho thinks the whole of the people of South Africa will be satisfied.