SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8348, 7 February 1913, Page 8

SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS

NATIONALISTS SUPPORT BOTHA. CAPETOWN, February 5. The Nationalists as a party have decided to support General Botha. SEVERE CRITICISM OF GENERAL HERTZOG. (Rereived February 6, 9.35 p.m.) CAPETOWN, February 6. Reuter’s correspondent interviewed General Botha, who stated that General Hertzog’s speeches and conduct were sometimes inexplicable. Instead of supporting a policy of conciliation he treated his colleagues with contempt and ridicule. It was especially General Hertzog’s duty to avoid giving the impression that the interests of South Africans conflict with those of the Empire, and that a policy directed against the Empire might in General Hertzog’s view be desirable in certain circumstances. Some suspicion attached to General Hertzog on the subject of conciliation. It was particularly necessary for him to be careful of his public utterances. It was impossible for Hertzog to serve with colleagues of whom he had spoken so bitterly and offensively. General Hertzog is demanding General Botha’s resignation, and the formation of a Government whereof neither General Botha nor General Hertzog shall be a member. General Botha has found the demand unacceptable.