NO BREAK FROM EMPIRE

Chronicle (Levin), 5 June 1948, Page 5

NO BREAK FROM EMPIRE

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter,

m — New South African Premier Steps Warily -

Copyright)

Eeceived Friday, 7 p.m. PRETORIA, June 4. Soutli Africa, according to political observers, is nnlikely to break away from tlie British Commonwealth and become a yepublic under the Malan regime. It is expeeted that the first aini of the Government will be to win friends among English-speaking Soiith Africans and industrial workers. Observers say the new -Government will bloclc or repeal the Asiatic Land Tenure and India j Representation Act which lays i down that two Ehropeans be elected to the new parliament as representatives of the South African Indians. Politically the Government will probably take action against the Communist Party,' but it is not expeeted to stop all immigration. Illustrative of .the Government 's desire to seek friends among the English-speaking vot^ ers is the appointment of Mr. Eavenga as Finance Minister, giving the Afrikaner Party a Cabinet strength out of proportion to its pariiamentary strength.

It is certain there will be 110 move towards a republic during the lif'e of this Parliament because apart from all else the Governments lacks the two-thirds' majority in both Houses necessary to make such a constitutional ehange. Observers say it is obvious that Mr. Malan has ehosen his cabinet on service qualifications. It is probably the most erudite cabinet since the foundation of the union. Seven members of cabinet have law degrees. First impressions of the Malan Cabinet are favourable. Mr. Malan made good use of tlie talent availablc and appointed no "wild men" to key portfolios.