READY TO BREAK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 15 May 1924, Page 7

READY TO BREAK.

NATIONALISTS IN SOUTH AFRICA. 4 ‘ GUNS IF NECESSARY.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Reuter's Telegrams. (Received May 35, 12.5 p.m.) CAPE TOWN, May 14. General Smute, speaking at Johannesburg. said if he had stood firm, Mr Cresweil might have killed secession, but he had only left the question in abeyance for a few years, after which it might burst out again. If an undertaking were included in the pact that secession would not be pressed on the people of the country until the English people were also in favour of it he (General Smuts) would have nothing further to say about secession, but if Mr Cresweil and General Hertzog attempted so to amend the pact, Mr Tielman Rook and his commandos would at once secede from the Nationalist Party, because they were out for secesGeneral Kemp, the ox-rebel, who is generally regarded as Minister of Defence designate in the event of the Nationalists being returned, speaking at Bethel, in the Transvaal, said no principles were given up in the pact, but only a promise not to declare South Africa a republic within the next five years. Propaganda could be made use of freely at all times. Asked whether the Nationalists were a secessionist party. General Kemp said they were an idealist party who would make South Africa independent as soon os the majority declared in favour of such a step. If England refused, she could do as she liked. The Governor-General could not refuse his signature to such an act. ]f he did, they would simply declare therpselves independent and maintain their action with guns if necessary.