UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 2 May 1934, Page 5

UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA

BRITISH PROTECTORATES QUESTION OF TRANSFERENCE (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, 30th April. Mr J. 11. Thomas, Dominions Secretary, in the House of Commons stated that he had received no communication from tho Government of Soutli Africa containing General Hertzog’s statement in the Union Parliament in reference to the transference to the Union of British protectorates in South Africa, but in view of press reports he thought it convenient to state the position of the Government of the United Kingdom. He recalled that pledges were given when the South Africa Bill was before the House of Commons in 1908, and on later occasions on behalf of the Governments in 1919 and 1025, that the House of Commons would have the fullest opportunity of discussing, and if they wished, of disapproving, of any proposed trails, fer of these territories to the Union. In the House of Lords in 1925 it was also stated that the Government would not make any decision until the native population and the wnite population had had a full opportunity of expressing their views, and any representations would receive most careful consideration before the Government came to any final decision. Mr Thomas added that these pledges were repeated on behalf of the present Government, both by himself in the House of Commons, and also in the House of Lords in July last. Copies wore communicated to General Smuts while he was m England last year.