SOUTH AFRICA’S REPLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16848, 26 September 1922, Page 8

SOUTH AFRICA’S REPLY.

NOT NECESSARY TO INTERVENE SUPPORTS LEACUE OF NATIONS CONTROL. By Telegraph—Prewi Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable ARseciation. (Received September 26. 12.5 p.m.) CAPETOWN. September 25. A Pretoria message states that Gen i ral Srmrte’s reply to Mr Lloyd George expresses his regret at the delay, owing to his absence, and proceeds. ’ There seems, to be no longer a call rt»r the active intervention of the Union Government.” General Smuts adds that be appreciates the determination of the Imperial Government I<> maintain the freedom of the Dardanelles, which is one of the most beneficial results of tile Great War, but ho most a in corely trust# that the military intervention of the Empire will not he necessary. ** T believe that the measures taken by the Imperial Government to safeguard the position of the Straits, pending the meeting of the coming conference are adequate, and I rejoice at the more favourable turn of events, which is largely due to successful British diplomacy. So far r.the Union is concerned, we could nob undertake to participate in military operations in the East without calling

Parliament together, a.nd 1 am relieved that the more reassuring information now in their possession renders such a step unnecessary.” General Smuts concludes: ‘‘Tn regard to peace in the Near East, the Govern irent ventures to express the opinion that the future regime for maintaining the freedom of the Straits should be placed under the Deague of Nations.” He trusts that such action will be approved by the ooming conference.

LABOUR AH THE CRISIS. OVERSEAS APPEAL CONDEMNED. By Telegraph—Prep* Awkwiation—Copyright Tenter's Telegrams. (Received September 26, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON. September 25. Mr J. R. Clynes, in a speech at Bridpoint, said that the silence imposed on the Labour deputation io the Premier enabled sections of the Press to say that Labour was so much in agreement with the Government that nothing was to be said to embarrass itHe did not share that view. Labour must not be taken as sharing the responsibility of what was done or proposed to be done. The Government was responsible lor the policy which brought the country to the brink of war on a question which had arisen owing only to continued blunders in regard to the peace settlements. Mr Clyues declared that Mr Lloyd George had signalled to the ends of the earth appealing for men from the dominions to fight before real pacific measures had been tried.