APARTHEID IN S.A.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29380, 6 December 1960, Page 15

APARTHEID IN S.A.

State Policy Rigid

(Special Correspondent LONDON. December 4.

Speaking at a closed conference >f Rand Nationalists, the South \frican Prime Minister (Dr. Verwoerd) removed any remaining possibility of departure from the ■trict party line of complete ■acial separation, says “The "imes” Johannesburg correspondent.

He made it clear that not the slightest deviation, not a single concession could be permitted without destroying the fabric of apartheid which adds “The Times.” for him has become synonymous with the preservation of the white man generally and the Afrikaner in particular. The “Guardian's” correspondent says Dr. Verwoerd’s speech is regarded as a stem warning to fractious party elements and as a re-emphasis of the Government’s determination to stand fast on a rigid apartheid policy and not budge an inch. Dr. Verwoerd said he expected renewed economic and political pressures on his Government in connexion with its colour policy —perhaps even from within its own ranks—but the Government would stand fast because the existence of the nation was at stake.

“If we waver now and allow breaches, it will be the end of hope not only for nationalists and republicans but the entire nation will also be thrown into chaos.” he said. “You must expect of us that we as leaders will remain immovable. We will not waver but will do our duty. The solution does not lie in the merging of any of the various race streams. Colour streams are parallel and must remain so. We can accept no policy of integration for Indian. Coloured, Bantu or the white.”

Dr. Verwoerd added that this policy did not mean oppression and said one group could not forever remain the servants of another. The Nationalists were not so stupid or so un-Christian to think that. They were prepared to ensure the growth and development of every group in its own sphere —to lead development along the different streams. “The Nationalists should not be deterred by foreign pressure or even by talk of war. In a few vears, the world will look at South Africa with other eyes and recognise her with admiration as a firm bastion of the West and Christendom in Africa,” he said.