UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19502, 4 December 1926, Page 11

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

SOUTH AFRICA'S POLICY. NO QUESTION OF SECESsj.ON. A. and N.Z. CAPETOWN. Deo. 2. The Minister of Justice, Mr. Tielman Roos, in the course of an address to his constituents said: "We are absolutely satisfied with the result of the Imperial Conference, and we shall now be able to work for the economic development of South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the National Party, I can say that there will bo no alteration of the position as now laid down. " There will be no question of the secession of South Africa, no question of Republicanism, no constitutional question of any kind similar to those raised lift the past. "We freely accept what was given freely. The relations now existing be" tween South Africa and the rest .if the British Empire are permanent relations. "This new development, however, does not alter the flag question, but must await the return of General Hertzog before any decision can be reached. " We would not like to see any bitterness caused about a matter of such comparatively small importance. It is not a national but a party question." This declaration by Mr. Roos is considered important, as he has been regarded in the past as the leader of the secessionist wing of the Nationalist Party.