LEADERS’ MESSAGES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29177, 11 April 1960, Page 15

LEADERS’ MESSAGES

Queen Sends Sympathy

JOHANNESBURG, April 10

During the night messages of sympathy for Dr. Verwoerd poured in from all over the world. They included messages from the Queen, the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan), the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr Diefenbaker), the ' Prime Minister of the Rhodesian Federation (Sit -Roy Welensky), and the Federation’s GovernorGeneral (Lord Dalhousie).

South African newspapers opposed to Dr. Verwoerd were strong in their condemnation of the shootings. The “Sunday Times” said assassination had never played a part in South Africa’s history - and yesterday’s attempt “cannot be too strongly condemned. “South Africa is indeed on trial as never before, and if there were a moment that called for calm patience and restraint from every person of every race, this is it." the “Sunday Times” said. The Oueen’s telegram, sent from the Roval estate at Sandringham. said: “I was shocked to learn of the attempt on vour life and hope you will make a speedy recovery.” It was announced from No. 10 Downing Strbet that messages had been sent to Dr Verwoerd and Mrs Verwoerd from the Prime Minister and Lady Dorothy Macmillan.

The message to Mrs Verwoe rd was: “We are very terribly sorry to learn of the attack on your husband. We are both thinking of vou very much." This message was sent from Mr Macmillan to Dr. Verwoerd: "I was deeply grieved to learn of the attack on you. I send you my best wishes for your comolete recovery.” * The leader of the British Labour Party (Mr Gaitskell) said last night: “Whatever the circumstances, and in spite of the Labour Party's strong disapproval of the South African Government’s racial policies. I deeply regret that this attack should have been made upon Dr. Verwoerd."