Personal news. Discusses Mussolini's defiant attitude. Hopes that Evans will stand up against the politicians.

Asks if Crewe will attend the 1820 Conference at Johannesburg.

Recommends that the Unionist Party should stress concentration in party organisation. In reply to questions put by Crewe, Selborne is pessimistic about improved relations with Germany. Germany's territorial ambitions are too great to permit peaceful understanding. Germany is constantly increasing her navy. In Britain itself, the Government is unpopular through contentious legislation. The Government majority should hold together for three more years in Selborne's opinion.

Letter written from Florence. Expresses concern for Crewe's poor health. Discusses the critical political situation in Britain and also the Coal strike and unemployment. Tries to estimate the effect of this situation on South African politics.

Regrets that Crewe has had heart trouble. Is interested to hear that the South African government has come through the Parliamentary session badly. Agrees with Crewe that government officials should be bilingual. Hull's retirement was badly managed and South Africa's financial situation is unsatisfactory. Botha's popularity has waned, but the Dutch people will stand by him. In Britain, National and Imperial defence has become the crucial issue. The Committee of National Defence is unwieldy. Describes a meeting with Lionel Phillips who is satisfied.

Long thinks it evident chat Botha is coming to the end of his power and will have to fall back on the British for support. Long will not be sorry if Merriman goes under.

Long expresses surprise at labour unrest in South Africa.

Congratulates Crewe on being on the Defence Council. Personal news.

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.