SOUTH AFRICAN UNION

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1934, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN UNION

HERTZOG PROPOSAL. ABSORPTION OP PROTECTORATES BRITISH ATTITUDE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 9 a.m.) RUGBY, April 30. • The Dominions Secretary, Mr J. H. Thomas, in the House of Commons today said he had received no communication from the Government of South Africa containing General Hertzog’s statement in the Union Parliament in reference to the transference to the Union of the British protectorates in South Africa, However, in view of press reports, he thought it convenient to state the position of the British Government. Mr Thomas recalled the pledges given when the South Africa Bill was before the House of Commons in 1908, and on later occasions, that the House would have the fullest opportunity of discussing, and, if it wished, of disapproving any proposed transfer of those territories to the Union. In the House of Lords, in 192 a, it was also stated that the Government would not make any decision until the native population and the white population had full opportunity of expressing their views, and that any representations would receive most careful consideration before the Government came to any final decision. These pledges were repeated on behalf of the present Government by himself in the House of Commons, and also in tho House of Lords, last -Inly. Copies wore communicated to General Smuts, Deputy Prime Minister of South Africa, while he was in England last year.