REASSURING

Southland Times, Issue 20010, 26 October 1926, Page 7

REASSURING

EMPIRE’S UNITY SOUTH AFRICA’S ATTITUDE NO NEED FOR FRICTION STATEMENT BY GENERAL HERTZOG (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.35 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 24. General Hertzog, interviewed by De Telegraaf. disclaimed a desire to discuss Conference problems which the Conference must solve. He declared it was vitally important for South Africa to know where she stands. “My reply to Mr Baldwin was not open to double interpretation,” he said. “We wish to attain our desires legitimately in agreement with the other dominions, some of which possibly do not agree with us on the question of status. I have no doubt a solution will be found which will clarify the position. Of this the frankness of the presentation of our viewpoint is a guarantee.”

General Hertzog emphasised the power of free discussion which had proved its utility at the Conference. He added he believed the British attitude was not opposed to a satisfactory solution with which Britain would powerfully co-operate. South Africa’s attitude need not cause the slightest friction, since it only required an explanatory definition of South Africa’s position within the Empire. “I emphasise—within the Eknpdre—we do not dream of asking anything else,” he concluded^—A & N.Z. THE EMPIRE’S DEFENCES. SINGAPORE BASE TO BE DISCUSSED. London, October 24. It is expected that on Tuesday Mr Baldwin will institute a discussion on Imperial defence in which he is expected to deal with the Singapore base and defence of the Pacific generally. Later in the week the heads of all defence Ministries will attend the Conference to enlighten dominion Ministers on all phases of Imperial defence. —A. and N.Z. TIMES PRAISES MR BRUCE. “MEN, MONEY AND MARKETS.” (Rec. 9.25 p.m.) London, October 25. The Times says, “Mr Bruce did well to insist that the strength as well as the prosperity of the inhabitants of the Empire was based upon Imperial trade and commerce. The high cost of production in Britain and the determination of foreign nations to develop manufacturing industries were factors now affecting overseas trade, consequently manufacturers must adopt the most modern methods and artisans must do their best. Unfortunately, the speeches of the Prime Ministers show that the difficulties of the British nation and their powers of helping one another are complimentary. Mr Bruce’s phrase of 1923, *Men money and markets.’ still tersely expresses the principal problem of Empire relationship. Hie suggestion that a frank stocktaking of all the resources of the Empire should be entered Upon is fully justified.” —Times Service.