MANDATE PROBLEM

Opunake Times, 28 March 1939, Page 3

MANDATE PROBLEM

AFRICAN TERRITORY

QUESTION OF DEFENCE

Although in Union military and Ministerial circles the greatest possible secrecy is being maintained, the defence of the vSnuth West African Mandate- will constitute. an important feature of Mr. Oswald Pirow’s £6,000.000 “rearmament” scheme.

Acting with the approval of ihe Union Government, tbe Bouth-Wegt. African Ad minis trntiiu is conducting a preliminary survey of the arras and defence situation in its territory, by making a complete and co.mp-reb.en-ftive check-up on all rifles, revolvers and ammunition.

IK. G. G. Conradie, Administrator of South-West Africa, stated in an interview that “the Union Government must under take the defence of the mandate,” although he had no infer- ' matron as to whether this had been contemplated in the evolu tion of its intensified defence nrogramme. The Administration itself could not undertake de- ; fence measures, nor could it as- | sume the responsibility of main- ! taining even a burgher force; j for, besides the question of financial stringency, it was actiiaiU the Union Government’s obligation. Yef one of the most important provisions of tbe mandate specified Hint the Union has no legal right to fortify tbe territory, establish military, air or naval bases, train natives or, in any way, go beyond tbe local (police) defence of South-West A.friea, without the uermission 0 d the Lea'me Council. Tire only manifestations of militarism in South-West Africa on an organised and open basif' are the local rifle and marksmen associations. Whether or not the Union Government, will obtain the l authority of tbe League Council for the fortification of Hie mandated territory is still uncertain r the extent of such defence plans' cannot be revealed at this l stage, but there is a possibility that, besides coastal fortifications, a Union air base will be set up there.