MADAGASCAR’S FUTURE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23587, 14 March 1942, Page 7

MADAGASCAR’S FUTURE

Concern in South Africa “ MUCH DEPENDS ON ALLIED STAND” (Received March 14, 1.30 a.m.) (U.P.A.) DURBAN, March 13. "Madagascar is looming large in South African politics,” says the Durban correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” “Much depends on a firm stand by the Allies, because if the Japanese beat us to Madagascar it will do our cause in South Africa untold harm. "Members of the Opposition, declaring that things have gone badly, have become squealers, and are expressing concern lest any move by South Africa in conjunction with Britain and America should sting the Japanese into an onslaught against South Africa. “These members of the Opposition are much more concerned with their ‘anti-Britishism’ than with the dangers threatening their country. Dr. Malan, leader of the Reunited National Party, recently declared: ‘We do not want to commit aggression. If South Africa is to become a base for the warring Allied nations it will become a battleground.’ .. , “South Africa is far from a united country, and the political outlook is not bright, but realisation of the dangers ahead must eventually penetrate even the biased heads of the members of the Opposition. The Rome radio has reported that a mixed British and American expeditionary force is on its way to occupy Madagascar. , „ A .. The Moscow radio declared that the Vichy Government had ceded Madagascar to the Axis. It added that German technicians and engineers had already taken over the port installations and airfields.