THE FLAG BILL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19148, 3 November 1927, Page 9

THE FLAG BILL.

MINISTER'S ILL-TIMED STATEMENT. SOUTH AFRICAN SENSATION. (BT CASLI-- PUIS ASSOCUTIOK--COrTEIGKT ) (AI7STBALU.K AND M.I. CABUS ASSOCIATION.) (Received November 2nd, 10.20 p.m.) CAPE TOWN, November 2. A painful sensation was created among the British section by an interview on the flag settlement given to the Dutch Press by Mr C. W. Malan, tho Minister responsible for the Flag Bil'. Speaking in Parliament a few days ago, Mr Malan declared that both sides had compromised to an equal extent.

Now ho tells his x interviewer: "The Nationalists lost nothing. The flying of the Union Jack simply shows that the country is on friendly terms with Britain. They can fly the American flag similarly if South Africa stands on particularly friendly terms with America." Mr Malan also declared that an Imperial flag for the Empire was unnecessary, as there was no such thing as an Empire, and if Britain were at war, South Africa need not even declaro its neutrality. Britishers are at a loss to understand Mr Malan's motive, but political circles suspect that the statement was inspired by Mr Malan's personal hostility towards Mr T. J. do V. Koos, who worked persistently for the flag settlement.

Senate has yet to pass the Flag Bill, and it is expected Mr Malan will bo asked for an explanation.

CABINET CRISIS POSSIBLE. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABL» ASSOCIATION.) (Received November 3rd, 12.55 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, November 2. When interviewed, Mr Roos disagreed entirely with Mr Malan's Press interview, regarding the flag settlement. He declared that the Government had undoubtedly given concessions. The Union Jack was one of th) two- flags of South Africa. The quarrel between the two Ministers may lead to a Cabinet crisis.