Crewe's appointment has been made so that he ranks after Lukin, Mackenzie and Brits but above the other generals, in order not to offend Brits and Mackenzie.

Chaplin disappointed in the Cave award. Chaplin will be unable to carry out his program of public works. Chaplin reckons that Crewe's estimate of four or five as a majority for Smuts is optimistic. The crux of the matter is the attitude of the Dutch in the Cape Province.

At the Cape Town meeting of the 1820 Settlers' Association it was suggested that the London Committee should raise funds to make itself self-supporting. Phillips' son is taking an interest in the Johannesburg branch, but economic situation is bad. Phillips thinks that conditions will improve. Phillips agrees that Tom Mann and Mr Bunting should not be allowed into South Africa to spread Bolshevist doctrines.

Letter from Settlers' Association.

Discusses the drought and epidemic among the Barkly sheep.

Gives Crewe advice about Crewe's own farm. Advocates the breeding of Red Poll cattle based on personal experience and introduced at Britstown. Smartt wishes to keep the loyalist English and Dutch together in the South African Party in order to defeat Tielman Roos and his party.

Smartt is disturbed at Cresswell's defence proposals and asks Crewe's views on the subject. Smartt is pleased that Crewe is looking for more yeoman farmers. He is in favour of a Convention to obviate the rut of party politics and force the Nationalists to show their hand.

If a segregation policy is to be followed the first crux of the matter is that land will have to be surrendered as Smartt had pointed out already in 1913. Smartt will visit Britstown on the 6th January.

Hopes Crewe has had good rains. Wishes to discuss important issues regarding the election with Crewe in Cape Town.

Hopes that the Three Rivers seat will be returned by the South African Party. Reitz is going to Port Shepstone.

Smuts will only go in an emergency.

Acknowledges Crewe's letter and is pleased that Cape affairs are going better. Is very over-worked and is not leaving South Africa just yet.