Acknowledges Crewe's congratulations on the capture of Windhoek. Botha is disappointed not to have captured more of the enemy forces. The present delay is due to the necessity of resting and feeding the animals.

Transmits to Crewe General Botha's reply to General Smuts regarding a South African contingent requested by T.

Smartt for fighting on the continent. Botha is averse to sending such a contingent and feels that military strength should be concentrated in South West Africa. He also feels that the Dutch South Africans would strongly oppose such a move and vote against Botha in the next election.

Buxton has heard from Smuts that Smartt and Crewe are averse to calling Parliament together. Buxton may be able, by means of the Governor-General's fund to give some help to dependents. Buxton will make an appeal to enlarge the Governor-General's fund. Buxton feels that his tour through Orange Free State was of benefit and that there will be no further risings. Dissatisfaction will be resolved through the elections.

Britain has not yet replied to South Africa's offer of volunteers and heavy batteries for the Dardanelles. W.H. Fuller is too old co be considered for active service in the Dardanelles. Smuts considers Lukin ideal to command the first South African brigade for overseas service.

The Germans in South West Africa are likely to make a stand in the mountains near Grootfontein. Botha has gone to Etosha Pan to release prisoners of war. Smuts is determined to make no concessions to Hertzog's party.

Smuts is not in favour of the proposal to send a nursing unit to England, originated by the editor of the South African Nursing Record. Smuts would rather retain a medical unit for any South African contingent which may be sent to Europe.

Regrets the death of Farrar. Expresses admiration for Botha's victory and is amazed that Hertzogism is on the increase. Is also surprised that the Labour Party is growing in strength. In Britain there is great trouble over the coal strike, due to the operations of a small clique, financed by a wealthy man. The war conditions are unchanged. Russia in a serious position.

Congratulates Crewe on Botha's election win. Agrees that it will be better for Crewe to support Botha from outside than within, as an example of such support, Long cites the case in Britain between 1886 and 1892 when the Liberal Unionist Party supported Long's party then in power.

Department of Defence is willing to provide a corps of 300 motor cyclists for use in German East Africa.

Smith-Dorrien wishes Crewe to join his staff. The British government started the war entirely unprepared but much reorganisation has taken place in the War Office. The task in East Africa will be difficult but Smith-Dorrien will manage admirably. The campaign will probably start in June.

Announcement of Crewe's appointment to the staff of General Smith-Dorrien.