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SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY.
Advices received by the Department for
External Affairs from the Commonwealth
commercial agent in South Africa indicate
that the question of the establishment
of a local navy is now receiving
consideration at the hands of the political
leaders of that country. In a recent
speech, the Prime Minister (Mr. Botha)
said that South Africa was responsible
for a large coastline, and, moreover, it
could not always depend on its large sea-
borne trade, which he wanted to double,
and double again, being protected by
Great Britain. If the people would only
have patience, the Government would
evolve a scheme in order to ensure proper
protection for South Africa's commerce,
but at present public opinion was
not mature on the question. He was giving
serious consideration to it day by day
The time was approaching when something
would have to be done, but they
should not attempt to force his hand
Slow, but sure, was his motto.
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