COGENT REASONING

Southland Times, Issue 19262, 28 January 1904, Page 2

COG ENT REASONING

I'er United Press Association WELLINGTON. .Juh. 27. The Governor has received the following cable message from the Socrotary of State for the Colonies — " 1 have recehed your telegram conveying the view which your Government has formed with regard to the introduction of Chinese luliour into tho Trar-s---vaal I fully recognise the title of all self-governing colonies to expresg tneii opinion on so important a question, aiul especially of those who, like New Zealand, rendered memorable services in the South African war ; but his Majesty's Government declares that its policy is to treat the Transvaal us though it was a self-governing colony unless a distinct Imperial interest is concerned, and to interfere as little as possible with local opinion and local wishes. This policy has many reason's to support it, but, among others, they arc based on a conviction that each of the states of the Empire, by reason of Us direct interest and special knowledge of the conditions affecting it. is best nble lo deal with its own proln leins It is this conviction which guided his Mhjesty's Government in its action in regard to the question of alien races in New Zealand and Australia It must not bo forgotten that there is much that is abnormal in the economic conditions of (ho Transvaal, which might call for abnormal measures, and his Majesty's Government, consistent with the policy which it has laid down, could not refuso to accede to the wishes of one part of tho Kmpire on any matter which it regarded as of paramount importance to its well-being in deference to representation from another part of the Einpin- not directly interested His Majesty's Goverumert feels uss-ured that the Transvaal Govern-.nent will give such weight to tho opinion of any self-governing colony as the exceptional circumstances of its country permit. I have communicated to Viscount Milner Ihe terms of your telegram and also of. this reply" The "Premier to-day received tho following cable despatch from Johannesburg : — '" Anii-Oiinesp League deeply grateful for your assistance to the resistance of the importation of Chinese. Vast majority of people in South Africa, white and coloured, are strenuously opposed to it. Hope you will persevere In your efforts."