IN CASE OF WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23649, 5 November 1938, Page 13

IN CASE OF WAR

SOUTH AFRICA NEUTRALITY BRITAIN INFORMED LONDON, Nov. 4. (Received Nov. 4, at 11 p.m.) The Daily Mail states on high authority that South Africa informed Britain during the crisis of her intention to remain neutral as long as possible in the event of a European war. This decision was conveyed to Mr MacDonald by Mr te Water on September 27, Mr te Water declaring that in view of South Africa's neutrality, asylum would be given to ships of all Powers, even if enemies of Britain, at all South African ports except Simonstown, which is a British naval base. MR PIROW'S MISSION DISCUSSIONS ON DEFENCE (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Nov. 3. (Received Nov. 4, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Malcolm MacDonald stated in ti.e House of Commons that the object of the visit of Mr O. Pirow, South African Minister of Defence, was to discuss certain technical aspects of the defence programme of the Union. GENERAL SMUTS'S REMARKS "HOLDING WHAT WE HAVE" CAPETOWN, Nov. 4. (Received Nov. 5, at 1.15 a.m.) " A spirit of lawlessness permeates the world, and what recently happened in Europe was a warning to South Africa to put her house in order." declared General Smuts when speaking at a United Party congress. He added: "Even if it costs millions, South Africa .nust look after herself. We must hold what we have and we are not "oinq through weakness or unpreparedness to allow any enemy to pluck South Africa as ripe fruit. It is not onl> a question of defence but the maintaining of freedom and independence." General Smuits admitted that his remarks were lirerted at South-west Africa.