THE FIRST NATION

Patea Mail, Volume XLIII, 30 July 1919, Page 3

THE FIRST NATION

BOTHA’S TRIBUTE TO BRITAIN

LED 'THE WAR AND LED THE PEACE

General Botha (Prime Minister of the Union) sailed for Capetown by the Llanstcphan Castle. Prior to his departure lie was .interviewed by Reuter’s representative. General Botha paid a great tribute to the Government and to the people of Groat Britain, to whom ho said that lie was indebted, from the Unme Minister downwards.

In all quarters ho said that he had found a predominant spirit, of co-op-eration and sympathy for South. Africa. It Idled him with encouragement and. hope that Uw.lh Africa had emerged from the terrible, cmifiici with its status raised and its destiny assured.

He was convinced that the peoples of the Empire had played the greatest part of all the peoples in the alliance in the conflict against Germany.

As an observer from afar ho was consequently able to take a more detached view in the vast struggle than some of his fellow-delegates at the Conference.

He was convinced, without disparaging for an instant the French, the Italians, and the Americans, that the part played by Britain from August 4 until this hour was one placing her first among the nations of the earth, Prestige Higher than Ever. Thanks wore primarily due lo Croat Britain for the overthrow of Prussianism and the saving of the world. She would come out of the ordeal of sacrifice with a prestige higher than over. As Britain had led the war, so she now led the peace. He did not protend to agree to all the peace terms, and asked : ‘'Who docs?” But ho would say (o the Germans, “Shove by your conduct that you intend to carry out the terms of peace in the spirit and lo the letter of the compact and jam will find salvation.”

Evasion and shiftiness Avould not Do to l oralcd.

He shared the sentiment inspiring General Smuts’ declaration, and urged that we should remember that with rhe victor rested the supremo gift of

mercy. Should Germany in the near future produce evidence of a changed heart and a coal rite spirit, it should lee the privilege of Great Britain to lead in mercy and peace. Peace Unmarred by Vengeance. Peace, however, must not bo marred hy vengeance.

Vengeance might well bo loft in a higher hand. Lot it; be a great privilege to show mercy to the vanquished enemy, if he in (urn showed himself truly prepared, by deed, rather than by word, to confess his faults, and to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. “I return to South Africa more firmly convinced than ever that the mission of the Empire, now and in (he future, lies along the path of freedom and of high ideals.

“Britain is (ho cornerstone upon which civibration must rest, ill largely dopcm’ls upon her hidion ami her spirit whether (ho new-born League of Nations will l>o a success. 11 The essence of (lie League lies in the ideal of brotherhood, and In malting the world :i belter place to lice in. “In the League the Umpire will play the part of the big brother, and will continue its historic role of the protector of the weak.