SOUTH AFRICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17973, 28 June 1920, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA

SMUTS DECLARES FOR UNITY.

NOW OPPOSED TO A REPUBLIC.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. .CAPETOWN, June 24. uenenu Smuts, speaking on tho League of Nations vote in tho Assembly, attributed tho failure of the league to the delection of America, the activities of the oupreme Council contemporary with the league, and the Polish situation. The position urgently needed the tremendous force j P , c opinion for a world-wide rescue of the league. Referring to the forcoming Dominions' Uonference, General Smuts declared that formerly believed that a republic as best for South Africa; but he \yas now convinced that it was best to remain in harmony with the Empire. Nationalist organ, Do Burger, condemns the appointment of Prince Arthur of Connaught as Governor-General as a political move by tho British Government. Jt is the general opinion that Gdneral bmuts will exert his influence against the separatist movement.

SMUTS'S GOVERNMENT'S NARROW ESCAPE.

"AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE."

. CAPETOWN, June 25. (Received June 28, at 0.20 a,m.) By a combination of the Nationalist and Labour Parties General Smuts's Ministry narrowly escaped defeat on the cost of living, the voting being 54 to 52. Before the division General Smuts made a dramatic appeal to Labour not to be misled by the Machiavellian moves on the HerZ °mi / ot 'sake the Government. Ihe division was the first real test of the opposing parties' strength, Nationalt. General Smuts, in the course of his a-V ?- nnced 1,10 unholy alliance of th « Nationalists and La,bourites. ~ 0 Nationalist leaders admitted that they disapproved of Labour's food policy, but were determined to vote for the motion in order to turn out the Government. —A. and N.Z. Cable.