SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27669, 27 May 1955, Page 13

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT

“In Power By Will Of God” CAPE TOWN, May 25. The South African Minister of Justice (Mr Charles Swart) told the House of Assembly today that the Nationalist Government believes it is “in power by the will of God.” He said: “The Government does not believe it is in power by chance.” Mr Swart was speaking during the third day of the debate on the Government’s Senate Bill. This almost doubles the Upper House and would provide enough votes to allow the Government to overcome its constitutional difficulties in removing the coloureds (people of mixed blood) from the common voters’ roll. Mr Harry Lawrence a leading United Party member, asked the Minister if he thought Divine guidance made everything the Government did right. Mr Swart replied: “Certainly not.” Mr Lawrence described the bill as “a piece of political chicanery.” He said: “In the nostrils of decent people the bill stinks to high heaven. We are up against two different ways of life in this country—the way of th? brigand, the bully, the jackboot, and .h? way of decency.” Mr Swart accused the United Party of “inciting” people over the bill. He said the Government would not hesitate to take action to maintain law and order in the country.”