Acknowledges Crewe's congratulatory letter on the distinction awarded Botha by the King. Hopes to meet Crewe in Pretoria on October 17th. Botha states he has often considered carefully the question raised by Mr Borden.

However, Imperial Defence circumstances are different in Canada to what they are in South Africa. Botha will discuss the matter further with Crewe when conditions present themselves.

Gives Crewe an account of how defence matters are progressing. Beyers is Commandant General of the Citizen Forces. Lukin is in charge of South African Military Rifles. The school at Bloemfontein a great success. British and Boer officers cooperating fully. Smuts feels that the navy is being neglected. Smuts despises the panic apparent in London.

Letter concerning the appointment of Hirsch as District Staff Officer for No. 3 District.

Long considers that the South African government has done well in regard to Imperial Defence. It is sufficient if Botha can supply a certain number of ships, to be part of the Imperial Navy, but to be stationed in South African waters. Hertzog seems to have mismanaged the agricultural question. Long regrets that Chaplin underestimates the Labour Party in South Africa. In Britain, parliamentary matters are stagnating.

Botha has resigned to reconstitute his own government. Long thinks a coalition at this juncture would be a good thing, consisting of Botha and Smartt's parties. Long hopes that Hertzog will not gain power. Long regrets the difficulties created by Duncan and Farrar and cannot understand why an objection is raised to importing mine labour from outside, if the wages are too low for white labour. Long's party is in great difficulties over the Declaration made at the Albert Hall by Lansdowne and Bonar Law.

Personal news. Asks Crewe for more details about South African politics. Condemns the British government for its ineptitude.

Trouble on the Natal coal mines has been fermented from the Rand. The natives are being subjected to agitation coo. Smuts fears a crisis resulting from a general strike.

Smuts has spoken to Stockenstrom about young Murray.

Describes trip to Egypt and Sudan. Is pleased at Crewe's prediction of Sauer's downfall. Kipling foresees a period of reaction in England, where the Dutch will have fewer supporters.

Welcomes Crewe back. Accuses Hertzog of attempting to break up the government merely because he has been expelled from his job. Labour restless and the natives are watching the labour unrest. Defence is satisfactory, apart from some grumbles from the Free State. The Military School a great success.

In Britain, the passing of the Amending Bill will lead to trouble in Ulster. Long hopes it will cause the downfall of the government. Long can understand Crewe's approval of the deportations, even though these were unconstitutional, as Civil War was the alternative. Long condemns the Labour Party as being purely destructive and agrees that if white workmen rebel they should be replaced by "black labour".

Long agrees that Britain has erred in accepting "undesirables from all countries" as refugees. Condemns the anarchists and suffragettes and their method of hunger strikes to gain their own ends.