Describes conditions at the Cape; very poor spiritual life there and Sabbath not kept. Yet various churches are trying, including Wesleyans who are building school for slaves. Gives an account of the preparations that are being made for their journey to Camies Berg, where they will stay for a few months. Comments on the pressing need to learn the Dutch language.
Estimates that it will be an anxious year for South Africa. Hertzog will not leave the South African Party, even though he disagrees with Botha. The real seriousness of the Indian question in South Africa is its effect in India itself.
Legitimate grievances of the Indians in South Africa should be removed. The question has not been settled before this, because Gandhi and Smuts attempt to out-manoeuvre each other. In Britain, the Government is in a panic over Ulster.
Agrees that Smuts has done very well. It is possible Smuts might now attend the Conference and leave the campaign to others. Acknowledges Crewe's work for the Empire, hopes that affairs in South Africa will improve and that Botha's government, supported by the Unionist party, will defeat the Hertzog faction. In Britain the Coalition Government under Asquith was unpopular and Lloyd George was the only possible alternative. Long would have preferred to become a private member but Lloyd George and Bonar Law prevailed on him to accept government office.
