S. AFRICA'S PART

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 198, 22 August 1942, Page 5

S. AFRICA'S PART

Determination To Stand By-

Allies To The End

MINISTER IN LONDON British Official Wireless Rec. noon. RUGBY, Aug. 21. The South African Minister of Railways and Harbours, Mr. F. C. Sturrock, who arrived in London yesterday to consult with the Government" about supply and shipping, stated to-day that, despite the local and domestic political situation which tended to impede the war effort to some small extent, the majority of people in South Africa were determined to prosecute the struggle alongside the Allies with energy and determination. He had come to Britain to help ensure that that effort would be sustained at a maximum.

The situation in the Middle East had thrown a heavy burden on the South African harbours, but dock and railway workers had given most loyal service. Women were helping the war effort by replacing lorry drivers, inspectors and conductors. The railway workshops, though hard pressed, were taking a prominent part in making munitions. The whole English-speaking population and the vast majority of the Dutch were behind General Smuts. Sensational news about the activities of a small anti-war party in no way reflected the general feeling of the Union about the war. The last three years had brought about an industrial development which otherwise might have been extended over 25 years and, while this might cause post-war problems, a young and developing country like South Africa had little to fear.