ALL-AFRICAN CHARTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27383, 8 May 1950, Page 5

ALL-AFRICAN CHARTER

Bulwark Against Communism MALAN’S OFFER TO NEIGHBOUR STATES New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 10 p.m. CAPE TOWN, May 6. The South African Prime Minister, Dr D. F. Malan, today called for an all-African political and defence charter to serve as a “ bulwark ” against Communism, states the Associated Press. Dr Malan said South Africa was willing and anxious to place its political, economic and strategic experience at the disposal of neighbouring States with the aim of “ preserving Western European civilisation in Africa.” Dr Malan said: “ Nations which have interests in Africa should consult each other on the project which would have a basis similar to that of the Atlantic Treaty and the PanAmerican Pact.”

Asked whether South Africa would give Britain or the United States bases in Union territory in the event of an emergency, Dr Malan said the Union’s policy at all time was to fend for itself. He added, however, that the Government was conscious of the Country's strategic position between the East and West, and recognised that in an anti-Communist war the sea route round the Cape would assume vital significance, especially if the Suez Canal was destroyed. “In that situation the Western nations would need our co-operation just as much as we would need theirs. I am sure that between us we could find many points of agreement” In reply to a question, -Dr Malan said the present South African Government had no territorial ambitions

in Africa beyond its plan for incorporating the former League of Nations mandated territory of South-west Africa, and its hope to take over the British-administered Bechuanaland, Swaziland and Basutoland protectorates. Asked if he thought it necessary to arm natives in war-time, Dr Malan replied: “It would not only be undesirable and unnecessary to arm natives in peace or war—it would be suicidal.” Bill to Outlaw Communism A Bill to outlaw Communist organisations was introduced in the Union Parliament by the Minister of Justice, Mr C. R. Swart. • Under its terms, Communist and certain other organisations will be declared unlawful by proclamation of the Governor-General. Membership of the outlawed organisations will be prohibited and their property and documents confiscated. The Bill provides for imprisonment without option ranging to a limit of five years’ imprisonment for contraventions. Non-African citizens convicted under the measures can be deported. The Bill provides that among the organisations that may be declared unlawful is an organisation professing by its name or otherwise to be an organisation for promoting the spread of Communism. The Bill confers power on the Government to prohibit any gathering of persons at any place when there is reason to believe the achievement of any of the purposes of an unlawful organisation will be furthered by the meeting. ‘ The Bill provides for the banning of any periodical or publication professing to be a publication for promoting the spread of Communism. Move in Kenya In Kenya, the Government is also moving to outlaw Communism and is seeking parliamentary approval of a measure to prohibit organisations whose members are trained and equipped to usurp civil or military power, or which seek to influence political life by displays of violence.