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SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE,

DEBATE IX THE ASSEMBLY. • MOTION .VXD AMENDMENT. (Received Last Night, 8.10 o'clock.) CAPETOWN, MARCH o. In the Assembly Mr" Sillnirn moved. '-That the Government immediately submit proposals for an annual contribution to the Navy, commensurate with the Union's importance. The Prime Minister (General Botha) oroposed as an amendment, "That this House recognises the importance of full consideration of the question' of naval defence, and requests the Government to consult with the Motherland." General Botha said he fully recognised the necessity for defending t'ho trade routes, and he hoped it would not become a partv question. It was impossible to bind' South Africa to an annual contribution, which was not the best for mof assisting the Imperial Government. South Africa had a small population, and its contribution would be merely a drop in the ocean. The Motherland must (be held primarily responsible for imperial defence, huthe thought South Africa might be disposed to provide a small navy in her own waters.

'Mr Smartt- agreed that this should bo a non-party question, and he accepted 'General Botha's amendment upon the understanding that the discussion with the Motherland should be started immediately. He hoped that South Africa would aooit follow N T e\v Zealand's magnificent example, now that Capetown was possessed of docks. He tendered New Zealand sincere thanks for sending its vessel to South Africa. Mr Merriman regarded Mr Smartt's speech as dangerous. He was alarmed at the idea of dragging South Africa into an insensate competition in armaments. The whole of Europe had gone mad.Canada had embarked on a dangerous course by having a Minister resident in London, who was a sort of partner, and would be dragged into Great Britain's warlike enterprises. At the samp time he recognised that South Africa was in a most humiliating position. She carried on an enormou s trade, which was'protected without adequate payment. He suggested that the tariff preference be abolished, arid that a certain percentage of the increased revenue be devoted to the British Navy. He ridiculed the idea of a South, African Navy. The debate was adjourned.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAG19130306.2.29.1

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 6 March 1913, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
348

SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE, Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 6 March 1913, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE, Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 6 March 1913, Page 5

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