IN TIME OF WAR

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

IN TIME OF WAR

SOUTH AFRICA'S NAVAL STATION "ENEMY WOULD GET BLAZES" "Whatever juristic theories either South African artillerymen or any foreign aggressor might entertain about the constitutional position of Simonstown the enemy will know what's happening: he will be receiving particular blazes." In these words Mr. Oswald Pirow, South African Minister of Bailways and Harbours and Defence,. restated the Union's intention to honotir in the letter and the spirit the agreement made in 1922, whereby South Africa undertook responsibility for the land defences of Simonstown, which is the headquarters of the Africa Station of the British Navy. Mr. Pirow revealed that the schenie of defence which the South African Government is putting into operation was drawn up by the Committee of Imperial Defence; and said that before very long the South African Air Force would be carrying out co-operating exercises with the navy. _ Mr Pirpw's statement was intended to be a reply to tlie Dominion Party, which is continually expressmg the fear that South Africa will let Britain down in case of war; and to the Nationalists, who are always expressing the fear that Britain will drag South Africa, willynilly, into the next war. The real position has bcen rather obscured by. some Government supporters who, in careless moments, have suggested that | Simonstown has a similar relation to j South Africa as Gibralter^ has to Spam. On the general question of South African participation in a war oversea, the Government has always made it clear that the decision will rest with the Union Parliament.