Dr. Malan's New Move
Dr. Malan appears bent on driving South Africa into crisis. His Bill dethroning the Supreme Court so far as constitutional questions are concerned is now through the House of Assembly, the Opposition having very wisely declined to debate it all, since it was incapable of amendment and could only be resisted by a directly hostile vote. The Prime Minister's majority in the Senate is very narrow, but the Bill will no doubt duly go through there. That, however, will not end the matter, for its constitu- tionality will inevitably be referred to the Supreme Court, which can hardly fail to pronounce against it. Meanwhile, the pro- tests, so far peaceful but unquestionably impressive, in the country are growing. It is no doubt more as a party manoeuvre than anything else that Dr. Malan has chosen again to raise the question of the three High Commission territories, Bechuana- land, Basutoland and Swaziland, giving notice that he will after the next General Election, if returned to power, petition the Privy Council for their incorporation with the Union. This is no doubt calculated to be a popular move, for acquisitiveness is a common characteristic of humanity, and a desire to acquire the High Commission territories has long animated men of all political parties in the South African Union. There could from one point of view be no worse moment for putting forward the claim to the territories. Successive British Governments, while recognising that the .principle of handing over the terri- tories some day is accepted, have repeatedly undertaken not to make the transfer without consultation with the inhabitants of the protectorates. The results of such consultation is a foregone conclusion in view of the policy Dr. Malan's Government has pursued on native questions. And though all that is guaranteed is consultation it is inconceivable that any British Government would hand the territories over against the ascertained and declared will of their inhabitants. No immediate decision is called for, as Dr. Malan does not suggest any definite move till after a General Election. But his declaration at this juncture can only increase friction between this country and the Union.
