PRECAUTIONS IN AFRICA

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28543, 24 March 1958, Page 11

PRECAUTIONS IN AFRICA

Cancellation Of Police Leave

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) JOHANNESBURG, March 23.

Police leave has been cancelled throughout South Africa until further notice because of demonstrations planned by the African National Congress to coincide with next month’s General Election. The Commissioner of Police. Major-General I. P. Rademayer. said in Pretoria yesterday that this step was being taken to ensure that the force was at full strength should any emergency arise. Police leave was already cancelled in Johannesburg yesterday after demonstrations by members of the multi-racial Federation of South African Women and the African National Congress Women’s League. About 250 police surrounded the non-white Baragwanath Hospital when a crowd of 800 demonstrated against the order compelling African women—especially nurses —to carry identity books. A deputation was later told by the hospital authorities that African nurses would not now have to present their identity numbers, which are written in the books, when applying for registration. The introduction of separate registers had also been withdrawn.

The Prime Minister, Mr Strydom. said in Baltimore, Northern Transvaal, last night he believed the Government’s apartheid policy would succeed if the non-whites were treated fairly. Addressing constituents in his second election speech since his illness, the Prime Minister said South Africa must maintain

apartheid < but must not make enemies of the non-white States of Africa.