Manawatu Daily Times "Independence Within the Empire”

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3493, 1 November 1926, Page 8

Manawatu Daily Times "Independence Within the Empire”

General Hcrtzog’s demand for “Independence within the Empire,’’ made at the opening of the Imperial Conference, has been given much prominence in Great Britain as well as in the Dominions. The discussion on Sir Austen Chamberlain’s review of foreign affairs has apparently smoothed over the difficulty for the time being. “To all intents and purposes,” says a recent cable message, “ any idea of independence has been abandoned.” Whether General Hertzog has been sufficiently convinced of the impracticableness of Iris demand to impart a similar conviction to his people in South Africa, remains to be seen. Speculation has been rife as to the real meaning of the South African Premier’s somewhat involved doctrine. “Independence within the Empire.” is a phrase capable of the widest interpretation. It is of interest, therefore, to recall an elaboration of this doctrine, made by General Hertzog himself in a speech delivered at a political function on May 15th: Each Dominion is, by virtue of its self-governing constitution created a free and independent Stale, with the right of international recognition by foreign powers; but with a common connecting link between itself and Great Britain, centred in the King. In order to act for the future in conformity with this point of view, and with full international effect, something more will be required from Great Britain and tire Dominions than a mere declaration of constitutional rights among themselves. That declaration will have to be formally communicated to the outside world. This speech made as far back as May last, leaves no doubt as to the real.nature and intention of General Hertzog’s request. The qualifying clause, “within the Empire,” was evidently an after-thought. It was expressed only when he found how different it sounded when propounding his formula before a Conference of British statesmen, than when addressing a gathering of enthusiastic. Nationalists. But with such a qualifying clause or without. General ITcrtzog’s doctrine, carried to a logical conclusion, would result in nothing less than the breaking up of the Empire. It is true, two years of actual experience of Government have tempered the exuberant enthusiasm of the former Opposition in their insistent demands for a formal independence. Since taking up the responsibilities of Government General Hertzog has more than once declared that scccession from the Commonwealth would be a disaster. The failure of the Asiatic Bill, the unexpected difficulties with the Colour Bar Bill, and the recent, almost farcical happenings with the Flag Bill, mtist have convinced General Hertzog and his parly that South Africa is faced with more important problems than the raising of academic constitutional issues.

And so the South African Premier has modified his onetime demand for complete independence, the international recognition and independence within the Empire. The secrecy which is being observed in connection with a matter on which the fullest publicity was desirable, makes it impossible to say by what means General Hertzog was persuaded to desist from his demand. May bn as Mr Coates would pm it, another result has been achieved “by solving a difficulty by the careful avoidance of a decision..” If so, General Hertzog will go back to his people in South Africa, convinced at heart, that, a policy of drift will he of greater assistance to his doctrine of independence, than the formulation of demands at an Imnarhil. Conference.