A special session of Parliament, necessitated by the situation arising from the war, and the mobilisation of the Defence forces, was opened to-day by Lord Buxton. The Governor-General's first act was to read a personal message from the King, acknowledging the many proofs of loyalty displayed by South Africa in common with the rest of the Empire, and of its determination to play a part in the great conflict forced upon Great Britain. His Majesty relies with confidence upon the people of South Africa to maintain and to add fresh lustre to the splendid traditions of courage, determination, and endurance which they have inherited. At the evening session of the House of Assembly General Botha moved the following resolution: This House, fully recognising the obligations of the Union as a portion of the British Empire, respectfully requests the Governor-General to convey a humble address to his Majesty, assuring him of its loyal support in bringing to a successful issue the momentous conflict which has been forced upon him in defence of the principles of liberty and international honour, and of its whole-hearted determination to take all measures necessary for defending the interests of the Union and co-operating with His Majesty's Imperial Government to maintain the security and integrity of the Empire, and further humbly requesting His Majesty to convey to His Majesty the King of the Belgians its admiration for and its sincere sympathy with the Belgian people in their heroic stand for the protection of their country against the unprincipled invasion of its rights. General Botha, who spoke with deep feeling, was followed with the most earnest attention by a thronged House. The Premier said that never had the Parliament of South Africa assembled at a more critical time. He emphasised that the Imperial Government had informed the Government that certain war operations in German South-West Africa were considered to be of strategic importance. The Imperial Government added that if the Union Government could undertake these operations they would be regarded as of great service to the Empire. The Empire to which South Africa belonged was involved in one of the greatest and cruellest wars which had ever befallen humanity. General Botha continued: "The Government, after careful consideration, decided to comply with the request in the interests of South Africa as well as of the Empire. There could only be one reply to the Imperial Government's request.