MR SMUTS’ DECLARATION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1930, Page 5

MR SMUTS’ DECLARATION

A DEBT OF HONOUR

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright).

(Received this day at 10 30 a.m.) ‘OAPEIiOWN, lOctober .21. As one of those responsible- for the Balfonr Declaration, Mr Smuts cabled to Mr MacDonald stating the declaration was a definite promise to the Jewish World, that a policy of National home would be actively prosecuted and was intended to rally the powerful Jewish influence for the allied cause at the darkest hour, and as such it was approved by United States and other allies, and accepted by Jews in good faith. It cannot now be varied unilaterally by Britain. It represents a debt of honour and must be discharged in the -full at . all costs. He most strongly urges the Government that a statement be issued, that the Balfour Declaration will be carried out and the Government policy recast accordingly. Mr MacDonald replies—l feel sure ’ your views are based on an. incomplete telegraphic summary of the statement of policy. I think you will admit in the light of' facts recently brought to our notice that statement of policy cannot be fairly described as a retreat from the declaration, which insured nothing would be d-one to prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities. He was convinced- the policy was not only in accordance with mandatory obligations but was designed in the best of the two sections of Palpopulation, whose welfare was the sincere concern of the Government.