AFRICA'S DECISION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 418, 30 December 1932, Page 5

AFRICA'S DECISION

(Press. As§n.~

POLITICAL LEADERS MAKE DEFINITE STATEMENTS ON POSITION RUMOURS OF CQALITION

— By Telegraph— Copyrlgnt).

Cape Town, Dec. 28. Discussing "the financial situation Dr. N. C. Havenga, Finance Minister, explained the purport of the. Government's notice as follows: — "We are yirtually off gold. The banks will qnote rates for exchange on the new basis. The circulation of gold internally ceases. The Union is now similarly cireumstanced to Holland, which is a gold conntry without gold as a legal tender internally. The posltion is disappointing — there is no relief for primary producers in respect of exports." ''We can only wish him the best of luck," declared General Smuts, the leader of the -Opposition referring to Mr. Roos, when addressing a crowded meeting at Germiston. General Smuts thought there was such a combination of forees at present as would drive the Government out of power, and there might in future be. a comhination of parties. If there were it should he on such a basis as not in any way to impair the strength of the South African Party. Mr. Tillman Roos was given a great reception at Johanneshnrg on, his first public appearanee since his resignation from the hench, when he emphasised that the need for coaljtion elimination of racialism and deyaluation were essential factors for the prosperity of South Africa. He said that neither General Smuts nor General Hertzog could lead a coalition, and added that if General Smuts were prepared to throw in his lot with a Coalition Government under someone who would swing both the Nationalist and South African Parties he would do a great service to the country. Mr. Roos virtually suggested himself as the new leader of a Coalition Government, stating it was impossible for General Smuts unaided to put the present Government out of power.