CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1935, Page 7

CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA

DIFFERENT FROM SAAR FIFTH UNION PROVINCE? With the impending return of the Saar to Germany as a result of the recent plebiscite it is interesting to learn of the result of a similar plebiscite in the south-west Africa mandated territory. In the latter case there is the probability that what was once German South West Africa will join the Union and become a fifth province of South Africa. If this occurs it will make the Union of South Africa two-thirds as big again as it is at present. Such is considered likely to be the outcome of the recent elections in SouthWest Africa, which have resulted in the United Party of the Dutch and British securing the two-thirds majority over their German opponents necessary for joining the Union. The result of the election is also a triumph over the local Nazis, who even hoped to win power in the Legislative Assembly. South-West Africa was once a German colony, but was captured by the army of the Union early in the war. A mandate of the League gave its administration to South Africa, whose Parliament in 1925 gave it a Constitution, under which an Advisory Council and a Legislative Assembly elected by the Europeans were to help the Governor-General’s Administrator in governing this country, which has some 250,000 natives as well as 32,000 white men. The Act provided that if a two-thirds majority voted foi it the country could apply for admission to the Union. The recent election has been held on this question, and there is not much doubt that the Union Government will agree to accept the new Province. It would be one more argument for the inclusion of Bechuanaland in the union as well, for that Protectorate lies between it and South-west Africa.