SOUTH AFRICAN SPLIT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN SPLIT.

GENERAL HERTZQG’S POSITION. SUPPORT FOR SMUTS URGED. (United Press Association—Copyright) •' LONDON, November 7. General Hertzog’s resignation from the leadership of the Orange Free State Reunited Nationalist P:jrty means a break with tho Reunited Nationalist Party throughout South Africa, thereby smashing the party after .14 months of existence.

The Bloemfontein correspondent of “The Times” says that constant intrigue against General Hertzog had matlo his position untenable. The new party, as it was developing, was a freak, with which General Hertzog was unable to identify himself.

General Hertzog to-day made it clear that Dr. Malan would sooner or later be forced to leave the party. He added that his own followers would not in the meantime form a new party, but would await developments, and advised his followers to vote for the Smuts candidate in a forthcoming Parliamentary by-election.. Referring to those who thought Germany would rectify tilings in South Africa, General Hertzog declared: “Anybody with the nation’s welfare- at heart will not sacrifice it in this way. Germany would not safeguard South Africa’s independence more than any other nation. During the period of uncertainty we must rely on ourselves, not on Germany.”

Ho again emphasised his respect for the English-speaking section and the necessity of co-operation with it. The Johannesburg correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that the split in the Reunited Party gives General Smuts’ war effort a new impetus. General Hertzog admitted that tens of thousands of Afrikanders wove followers of General Smuts.

The South African Reunited Nationalist Party, -or People’s Part. was formed by the followers of General Hertzog and Dr. D. F. Malan, the Nationalist leader, alter the defeat of General Hertzog’s Government last January on his proposal to seek pence with Germany. The party was formed as a united Opposition to the new Government of General Smuts.

A statement was issued by Dr. Malan and General Hertzog, I lint the members of their party were convinced that a Republican Government, separated from Britain, was most suited to the traditions and aspirations of South Africa, and the only effective guarantee that the country would not again be drawn into wars with Britain.