SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS.

Evening Star, Issue 23729, 9 November 1940, Page 10

SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS.

Du Mai-an is a Boer of the old school, rigid in his political ideas, whose dream is a republic for South Africa. Quito unpractical, as men of his type usually are, he fails or refuses to see that the only guarantee of South Africa’s liberties is the flag of Britain. The Union is a free member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, master of its own house,' subject to no interference from the British Government. It would have been thought in these circumstances that the old Boer element, in which racial feeling is so strong, would from the mere point of selfinterest have been aiixious to see a check on Hitler’s ambitions. Instead, by refusing to support the South African Government in its war effort, it has indirectly helped Germany by its clamour for neutrality. The criticisms directed at Dr Malan may he applied to General Hertzog, but not to the same degree, for though in theory he is a Republican, he would not force that issue in the meantime. When the war came General Hertzog was Prime Minister of the Union. His desire was to make a declaration of neutrality, and in various speeches he expressed sympathy with “ poor old Germany,” who, he declared, had been harshly treated at Versailles, and scouted the idea of attempted domination by her. Defeated in Parliament on the issue, General Hertzog resigned, and General Smuts, who is heart and soul with the Empire in the present struggle, became Prime Minister on the basis of South Africa’s participation in the war, with a reservation that the Union’s soldiers should not be sent out of Africa.

Following these developments Genera] Hertzog and Dr Malan came together and formed the Reunited South African Nationalist Party. The former Prime Minister was its natural leader, and it is significant that one of his most influential supporters said that though his own political opinions were unaltered he recognised it to be his duty to support the Government in war-time, but the Nationalist element, under Dr Malan. took the other line, and constant efforts were made to stir up political feeling against the Government. Peace propaganda went on, and meetings in many parts of the country were organised. Probably in the light of what has happened to the smaller States invaded by Germany there has been a change of feeling amongst some of the South African Nationalists.''* Possibly they realise the danger that would arise for the Union in the event of Germany being victorious. Whatever the cause, there is serious division in the Reunited Nationalist Party. General Hertzog and Dr Malan failed to agree, and the former has resigned the leadership of the Orange Free State. That the breach between the two leaders is complete is indicated by General Hertzog’s declaration that Dr Malan would sooner or later be forced to leave the party, and he advised his followers to vote for the Smuts candidate at a forthcoming Parliamentary by-election. ft would seem that persistent underground attempts have been made to oust General Hertzog from hie position. The reason appears to be plain. He declines to go the whole way with the extreme Nationalists whose ideas on the subject of racial discrimination have been freely expressed. His sentimental Republicanism and general political views are considered too mild, and so ho has found it expedient to sever his connection with the party. This disruption will not be unwelcome to General Smuts, for it should sensibly lessen the opposition to his plans for support

of the Empire in the present crisis. So far as can be gathered the feeling among the South African extreme Nationalists is not in any marked way favourable to Germany but is mainly an objection to helping Britain with men and money.