FLARE-UP AGAIN?

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 159, 18 April 1949, Page 3

FLARE-UP AGAIN?

South African Riots

COMMISSION’S WARNING

(N.Z.P. A.—Copyright)

(Rec. 10.15.) CAPE TOWN, April 17.

The Commission which investigated last January’s race riots, warned, in a report published today, that the Africans might again attack the Indians to “square the account.’' A total of 142 died and 10S7 were injured in Durban’s two-day rioting.

The Commission said: “Unless the position is carefully watched and all exhibitions of public, violence are firmly repressed; the natives may make another attack upon the Indians”

The report absolved the authorities from any blame for failing to prevent the initial outbreak, because the clash was totally unexpected. The rer port also absolved the police from allegations that they had failed to re r press the initial outbreak with vigour, and had encouraged the rioters.

The report said: “If a provision of the Immorality Act could be extended to illicit carnal intercourse between natives and Indians it would help, r"er press the evil of the anti-Indian feeling among the natives.” Among other believed causes of riots listed were: Firstly, .the herding together in compounds, of large numbers of male natives; secondly, the unsettling influence -upon the native? mind of the press Abroad, which is hostile to South Africa. “Contrary to the opinion prevailing abroad, the average native is a keen supporter of segregation. He realises' that, as yet, he is ill-equipped in the fight for survival which lias become so sharp in’ modern times. Consequently he demands residential, ra-. Cial and economic segregation. Socalled native leaders, who speak in a; different voice, are motivated by po-. litical ambition.”