STATUS SETTLED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12621, 4 December 1926, Page 4

STATUS SETTLED

SOUTH AFRICA SATISFIED “RELATIONS NOW ARE PERMANENT’ IMPORTANT DECLARATION Hr Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian nnd N.Z. Cable Av*^riaticn. CAPETOWN, December 2. Mr T. .J. Rous, Minister for .Just ice, addressing his constituents, said : “We are absolutely satisfied that as the result of the Imperial Conference we will now he able to work for the economic development of Africa.” On behalf of the National Party he could say that there would bo no alteration in the position as now laid down, no question of the secession of South Africa, no question of republicanism, and no constitutional question of any kind like those raised in the past. “Wo freely accept what is frcelr given,” he said. “The relations now existing between South Africa and the British Empire are permanent relations.” The new development, however, did not alter the flag question, but that must wait until the return of General Hertzog, the Prime Minister. before it was decided what to do. He would not like to see bitterness caused over a matter of comparatively small importance which was not a national but a party question. Mr Roos’s declaration is considered to be important, as he was hitherto regarded as the leader of the secessionist wing of the Nationalist Party.