SOUTH AFRICA A PARTNER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24133, 27 November 1941, Page 8

SOUTH AFRICA A PARTNER

The reason given- yesterday by Mr. Leslie Blackwell, a member of the South African Parliament, for visiting this country as an official representative of the Union Government, was that Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, the three great southern neighbours in the British Commonwealth, saw far too little of each other. It is a complete and sufficient reason. It would be at any time, but it is especially so now when, as Mr. Blackwell himself remarked, New Zealanders and South Africans are fighting side by side in Libya. This circumstance suggests that relations between the two Dominions are likely to become closer than ever before. New Zealand and Australia had had the links of neighbourhood and many common interests since their earliest days, but their relationship entered a new phase when their troops went into battle together in the last war. There was never the same close association with the troops from South Africa, fighting on the Western Front, though New Zealanders going PE returning from, the war zone

experienced kindly hospitality at South African ports. So similar associations had not the opportunity to develop. It will be different from now onward. The veterans of the Libyan campaign will have much in common that is never likely to be forgotten. It will be better realised that even if the South African people are not unanimous on the war issue —a fact Mr. Blackwell frankly admits—the Union is playing a great role as partner in the Empire's struggle. These things should lead to deeper friendship, and all will share Mr. BlackwelPs hope that they may.