RACIALISM IN SOUTH AFRICA
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—A Correspondent in South Africa who has great know- ledge of the country sends me the following comments on the allegations which have been made by contributors to the Spectator about the exclusive racial policy of General Hertzog's
Government :—
" So far there has been much talk and little action—beyond a rather unblushing seizure of spoils. The Labour section seems to haVe no Imperial feelings; and the two portfolios will be clung on to at any cost. When brother Boer thinks he can ignore them (if that time comes !) he will scrap them ruthlessly. There are two para- mount dangers : (a) hostility to England ; (b) a desire "to put the ' nigger ' in his place." If things develop (as appearances seem to indicate) not only England, but the other Dominions, may have to say, perhaps 'do, something. I have no doubt that if the Press in England and in the other Dominions adopts a watchful attitude, and expresks sonic anxiety upon the political tendencies here, our present rulers may pause. One of the worst statements Bonar Law over made was to the effect that England would not attempt to coerce any member of the ErriPire desiring to secede. I think it was both impolitic and- untrue. What would Australia or Canada say if the important strategic position of the Cape were in hostile hands ? The effort to create a new language, Afrikans,' will be expensive, but it is too childish to do much harm. Insidious proceedings designed to weaken the link with the Empire, or to deal unjustly and harshly with the native races, are in quite a different category ! You must remember that the natives are developing. At a meeting recently the statement was made that they could appeal to England formerly, but that now they are told to look to the Government here ! The other day there was a strike of Kaffirs at Port Elizabeth. The ringleader was a boy from Nyassaland. I know a native from the Sudan who came here lately. So the attitude towards the natives should be considered from the all-African standpoint and not alone from that of the Union."
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