CLAIM TOR INDEPENDENCE.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 97, 21 October 1926, Page 11

CLAIM TOR INDEPENDENCE.

"Here I wish to say a lew words as to South Africa's attitude in regard to the Empire, or British community of nations. This will ever have our hearty support, irrespective of parties and races, so long aa it is, and shows the character of, a commonwealth of free, independent nations, each free and striving to attain what is best for itself, yot in such a spirit as ■will conduce at all times, as much, as possible, to the well-being of.all. "If I may state in a few words the principle which should govern us in matters of Imperial interest, I would say in the principle of unrestrained freedom of action to each individual member of the Commonwealth. In the practice of consultation, with a view to co-operative action wherever possible, we shall have to be frank, and above all sincere, imbued with a spirit of goodwill and a desire to be of real service, both to our country and to one another. In that spirit of frankness and sincerity, I hope that I and my colleague will assist. GOODWILL THE CORKEE-STONE. "If the Conference is to attain success commensurate with the expectations entertained, it Is of paramount importance that we shall make sure that the foundations of our Commonwealth are such as will stand the test of time. It will, I think, be generally admitted that the corner-stone of the Empire is the goodwill of those who compose it. Without that goodwill the Empire must collapse. "If, therefore, the Empire is to be maintained to flourish and to fulfil the great task Which all hope it will achieve, we'must see that the will ■to live in the Empire as a commonwealth of free nations will in the future, as it is to-day, be present and active with every one of its constituent olements. Whether at present all the conditions are there to ensure the permanency of that will and therefore of the Empire, is a question which I think we should inquire into. "Speaking for South Africa, I think they are not. South Africa is anxious to possess that will equally with every other member. It can be assured only if she can be made to feel implicit faith in her full free nationhood upon the basis of equality. That implicit faith she does not possess to-day, but she will possess It the moment her independent national status has ceasod to be a matter in dispute and has become internationally recognised. Therefore, I hope this question will be agreed upon in a manner that will remove all fear and doubt for the future. I hope the result will be such as Mr. Bruce contemplates, namely, a settlement satisfying to all."