Hertzog Resigns; Smuts Forms New Cabinet

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1939, Page 7

Hertzog Resigns; Smuts Forms New Cabinet

LONDON, 'September 5. A REUTER’S MESSAGE STATES THAT IN SOUTH AFRICA, GENERAL SMUTS IS TO FORM A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. . This follows upon the defeat of General Hertzog’s proposal in the Mouse of Assembly. A split in the South African 'Cabinet, which was almost evenly divided on the issue, was revealed in the course of a debate in the Assembly, when the Prime Minister, General Hertzog, and the Deputy-Prime Minister, General Smuts, expressed opposing views on co-operation with the Empire and relations with Germany.

Hertzog’s Declaration. General Hertzog, who made the question one of confidence, read a declaration of policy regarding South Africa’s relations with the various belligerents, which, he said, should persist unchanged, and continue as if no war were being waged. He said the existing obligations to Britain and other members of the British Commonwealth would remain

unimpaired. He instanced South Africa’s part in the British naval base at Simonstown, and her obligations under the League of Nations.

He pointed out that a difference, which, he said, it was impossible to remove, had arisen in the Cabinet on the matter.

Smuts Amendment. General Smuts moved an amend-' ment, calling, for the severance of relations with Germany and continued co-operation with the Empire, and stated that the Union should take measures for the defence of its territory and interests, but should not necessarily send forces overseas. General Hertzog’s course would force South Africa to take sides one way or the other, said General Smuts.

In a House of 150 members, and allowing for the Speaker, the voting shows that there were only two abstentions or absentees.

A Bill enabling a new Senate to be constituted while the old one stili exists has passed all its stages.

If they parted .from the Empire now, when the German demand for the return of South-West Africa came to the point of the bayonet they would stand alone.

Ho added that his policy was to sever relations with Germany, and have no trade or truck with her. The real issue went far beyond Danzig. The future security of South Africa depended on her not dissociating herself from the Empire. Safeguard Home Interests. She might not be able to fully participate in the present war on the scale of the Great War. as she must safeguard her home interests. Colonel W. R. Collins, who, like General Smuts, fought against the British in the South African War, seconded the amendment. A radio' broadcast message says the amendment moved by General Smuts was passed by 80 votes to 67.