NEW ERA DAWNS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17233, 12 April 1930, Page 7

NEW ERA DAWNS

SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS FRIENDSHIP WITH BRITAIN (Elec. Tul. Copyright—Unitnd Press Assn.) (Received April 12, 11 a.in.) CAPETOWN, April 11. The Premier’s vote gave General Smuts an opportunity to review relations with Britain. lie welcomed the announcement that General Hcrtzog was going to Geneva, and said a great deal of good work might bo done at the Imperial Conference, establishing closer reciprocal trade relations. He hoped South Africa would give more preference to Britain, despite Mr. Snowden’s policy. Tin* Premier then surprised the House by cordial references to Britain. ' lit- said that while it was South Africa’s policy to establish good terms with all the world, everything should be done to ensure the closest relationship with Britain and the other Dominions. The possibility of changes in the British Government introduced an element of uncertainty into the preferential system; consequently the Government maintained a quid pro quo system. He added: “\Ve are always ready to give Britain all and more than she is entitled to on the basis of hand for hand. in appointing ambassadors to foreign countries we have no intention to act in a spirit of hostility to Britain, but South Africa must act as a free country.”

It: is believed that the debate heralds a new era in -South African politics.