SPLIT AT CAPE

Grey River Argus, 6 September 1939, Page 8

SPLIT AT CAPE

ON WAR ISSUE Parliamentary Debate MAJORITY OF 13 FOR JOINING BRITAIN. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received September 5, 8.50 p.m.) CAPETOWN, September 4. A split in the Union Cabinet regarding the war has been revealed. In the Union Parliament the issue was debated, when the Prime Minister, General Hertzog, and another Minister, General Smuts, expressed opposing views on the question of co-operation with the Empire relations with Germany. General Hertzog read a declaration of policy as to South Africa’s relations with the various belligerents. This was to the effect that relations would persist in an unchanged form, and would continue as if no war were being waged. General Hertzog instanced the British Naval base at Simonstown, and the Union’s obligations under the League of Nations. He pointed out that a Cabinet difference had arisen and it was 4>ne which it was impossible to remove. General Smuts (Deputy-Prime Minister), moved an amendment to the declaration, calling for a severance of South Africa’s relations with Germany, and for continued co-opera-tion with the Empire. He said that General Hertzog’s course would force South Africa to take sides one way or the other. If they parted from the Empire now, when there came the German demand for the return of South Africa at the point of the bayonet, they would stand alone. General Smuts added that his policy was to sever relations with Germany, and to have no trade nor truck with her. The real issue went far beyond Danzig. The future security of South Africa depended on her not disassociating herself from the Empire. She might not be able fully to participate in the present war, he said, on the same scale as she did in the Great War, as she must safeguard her home interests. Colonel W. R. Collins, who fought against the British in the South African War, seconded the amendment. The debate was then continued.

Cape Premier’s Stand VERSAILLES MONSTER. THE CAUSE OF THE WAR. (Received September 5, 11.55 p.m.) CAPETOWN, September 3. General Hertzog said: “It is being said that we must enter this war Because Germany has shown she is out for world domination. If that haa been the case, nobody would have opposed Germany more fervently than myseif, but there is no proof that this is Herr Hitler’s object, I predicted what would happen in 1935 if tne monster of Versailles was not altered, and there was not a return to Germany of what was taken from her; because Herr Hitler has since taken those territories. If the injustices ot the Treaty of Versailles are not removed. There will never be peace in Europe, and Germany will do anything to end her humiliation.” “If we go to war the Afrikander nation will suffer a .shock from which it will take years to recover. The debate is still proceeding.

i HERTZOG’S DETERMINATION... QUESTION MADE ONE OF CONFIDENCE. (Received September 5, 11.55 p.m.) CAPETOWN, September 5. The Cabinet is almost evenly divided on the issue of neutrality or cooperation with Britain, which General Hertzog made one of confidence. The amendment was finally carried by 80 votes to 67, a majority of 13. GENERAL SMUTS. LIKELY TO FORM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. (Received September 6, 2.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 5. The Associated Press of America Capetown correspondent says that General Smuts is expected to form a new National Government, succeeding General Hertzog. This news was received at 8.55 p.m. here. NO FORCES GOING OVERSEAS. HERTZOG EXPECTED TO RESIGN. (Received September 6, 4 a.m.) CAPETOWN, September 5. General Smuts’ amendment, as cabled earlier, was carried by 80 votes to 67, South Africa thus breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany. General Hertzog is reported to be resigning. General Smuts’ amendment also stipulated that all necessary measures should be taken for the defence of South African territory, but that the Government should not send forces overseas as in the last war.