REBUKE FOR HERTZOG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19453, 8 October 1926, Page 11

REBUKE FOR HERTZOG.

SOUTH AFRICAN PATRIOTS. SECESSION POLICY DEPRECATED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) ; ; CAPETOWN. Oct. 6. A number of patriotic associations, including the Sons of England and the Unity League of Empire Group, sent a cablegram to the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, repudiating in the name of loyal English and Dutch natives the published views of General Hertzog, Prime Minister of South Africa, on the sovereign independence of the Dominions. They also repudiate the interpretation given by the Nationalist Government of the Union to the constitutional status of the Dominions under the Treaty of Versailles. They say General Hertzog speaks only for a section of his party, and has not abandoned his secession policy.

In a statement made by General Hertzog prior to his departure from Capetown for London, ho said : —" My Government is at all times prepared to have the relationship of South Africa to the Empire symbolised through the medium of the Union Jack, but not by its incorporation in our flag. 1 and my Government are in favour of maintaining our relations with the British Empire, but we wish to maintain them with the. full integrity of our independent national status.

" The (lag of the Union is to be symbolic of that independent status which South Africa as a nation has already achieved. Any suggestion of emphasising our relationship with the British Commonwealth of Nations through some emblem or design upon the flag of the Union would be favourably considered. If the Flag Committee were to recommend the insertion of the Crown upon the flag I am confident that would not only meet with the approval of the Goverinont, but would- offer every satisfaction to reason and sentiment." Tho Prime Minister denied 'that he in. tended to ask at the Imperial Conference for a written Dominion constitution for South Africa. However, he said' ho would urge that the necessary steps should bo taken to ensure that South Africa's status should bo oqual to that of Britain and any other Dominion entitled to international recognition and to have it published to tho world. He said bo would proceed to the conference in tho full conviction that in relations with Britain -and tho other Dominions as a Commonwealth of free nations lay tho surest guarantee.