SMUTS AND HIS OPPONENT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 135, 4 December 1929, Page 11

SMUTS AND HIS OPPONENT

EAST AFRICAN REUNION

British Official Wireless.

(Received 4th December, 11 a.m.)

EUGBY, 3rd December.

General yon Lettow-Vorbeek, who commanded the German forces in East Africa during the war, was the guest last night at the East African reunion, dinner presided over by General Smuts, who commanded the- British forces in. that campaign. Over 1000 ex-soldiers, who fought in Ei,.it Africa, attended and the German general and his wifewore accorded a most cordial reception. It was the'first occasion since the war that General Smuts had met his former enemy, and there was great cheering when he shook hands with General vdu Lettow-Vorbeck. A solemn moment occurred when the gathering, having drunk the health of the King and of the President of the German Eeich, rose in silence to toast "Fallen Comrades" of both armies.

The speeches delivered at the dinner were- broadcast. General Smuts proposed the health of the guest of tho evening, and in a-delightful and generous speech praised his late adversary as a great commander and clean fighter.' After referring to the part the soldiers had played since the war in promoting peace, General Smuts said that they were by that gathering in a very special measure making peace. General yon Lettow-Vorbeck's speech in reply was warmly cheered.