ISOLATIONIST IDEAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24415, 28 September 1940, Page 8

ISOLATIONIST IDEAL

SOUTH AFRICAN VIEWS ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR A review of the traditions, philosophies and political aspirations of the people of South Africa and their attitude towards the present war was given by Professor J. Y. T. Greig, of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, at a luncheon held by the Auckland branch of the Royal Empire Society. Professor Greig said he was frequently asked whether South Africans were pro-German and anti-British, in view of the varying opinions expressed in relation to the war. He said ,he would endeavour to explain the attitude of mind of those who were not enthusiastic about participation in the war. The history and background of the Afrikaners, who were descended from a long line of Calvanistic and selfreliant Boer farmers, had to be appreciated. They resented any suggestion of sentimental tie of Empire, and their policy was one of isolation and to be free from all entaglements with Europe. Therein lay the fundamental difference from the British outlook. We accepted industrialism and world trade and a scattered Empire as a matter of course. The language of the Afrikaners intensified their ideals; they looked upon it as a symbol of their freedom and independence and isolation. However honourable this ideal was in itself, concluded the speaker, he feared that it .was obsolete and impracticable in this modern world.