COLD DOUCHE

Northern Advocate, 3 November 1927, Page 5

COLD DOUCHE

POURED ON FLAG BILL UNION JACK DISPARAGED. MERE FRIENDLY FORMALITY. (United Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received 9 a.m.) CAPETOWN, November 2. A painful sensation has been created among the British section by an interview on the flag settlement given to the Dutch Press by Dr D. F. Malan, the Minister responsible for the Flag Bill. Speaking in Parliament a few days ago, Dr Malan declared that both sides were compromised to an equal extent. Now he tells an interviewer: "The Nationalists have lost nothing. Flying the Union Jack simply shows that the country is on friendly terms with Britain. We can fly the American flag similarly if South Africa stands on particularly friendly terms with America.” Dr Malan also declared that an Imperial flag for the Empire was unnecessary, as there was no such thing as Empire, and if Britain were at war South Africa need not even declare its neutrality. Britishers are at a loss to understand Dr Malan's motive, but political circles suspect that the statement is inspired by his personal hostility towards the Hon. Tielman de Roos, Minister of Justice, who worked .persistently for the flag settlement. The Senate has yet to pass the Flag Bill, and it is expected that Dr Malan will be asked for, an explanation.—A. and N.Z. MR RODS TAKE'S EXCEPTION, CABINET CRISIS MAY ENSUE. (Received 9 a.m.) CAPETOWN, November 2. Interviewed, Mr Roos disagreed entirely with Dr Malan’s press interview regarding the flag settlement. He declared that the Government had undoubtedly made concessions. That fact and the Bill were both clear in effect that the Union Jack was one of the two flags b£ South Africa. The quarrel between the two ministers may lead to a Cabinet crisis.—A. and N.Z'.