Messrs.
Beyers and Frames; if that cannot be done, then I consider that the
membership of the commission should be enlarged so that two other
persons, actively engaged in the diamond industry, should be appointed.
. . .
On
the next day the Minister replied. He did not deal then with the
composition of the commission, but gave grounds why the commission
should function, though he did not expressly dissent from the
suggestion that there might also be a round table conference.
Nevertheless, he did not commit himself as to the constitution of such
a conference :
I
am directed by the Honourable the Minister of Mines and Industries to
acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of yesterday's date in
regard to the inquiry by the Diamond Industry Commission, and to say
that, after careful consideration, Mr. Fourie is not disposed to
suspend the commission which has already been appointed.
First,
because he feels that, with the present condition of the diamond
industry, it is most essential that a thorough investigation into all
its different phases should be made so that not only the industry
itself, but the public and the Government, should know exactly where
they stand and that the Government would be better enabled to determine
the measures which it should take in the interests of the country. As a
matter of fact, Mr. Fourie feels that such an inquiry is really much
overdue.
Secondly,
because he feels convinced that so far from destroying the stability of
the industry, an investigation of this nature would lead to a thorough
realization by all producers—Union and extra-Union—of the attitude
which it is desirable they should adopt towards each other and the
industry as a whole, not only to preserve the immediate needs of the
industry, but to stabilize it for the future. This should result in
creating greater confidence in the industry and should undoubtedly
redound to the benefit of the important financial interests connected
with it.
Thirdly,
that in view of the apparent uneasiness that has been created in the
country owing to the alleged unsympathetic attitude of the Government
towards the industry as stated by you last Wednesday, it is the more
imperative that a searching investigation into all the factors bearing
on, and associated with, the diamond industry should forthwith be made
in the national interest.
Mr.
Fourie will have no objection, however, should you wish it, to continue
the discussions which have from time to time taken place between
yourselves and his department, and a conference such as suggested by
you, but not necessarily so constituted, might continue discussion of
such questions as closer co-operation between the Union producers, the
Diamond Corporation and the Government, in regard to the production and
disposal of diamonds, or any other matters that might in due course
arise, quite apart from and without curtailment of the inquiry
conducted by the commission.
