GENERAL HERTZOG’S DEFEATISM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21207, 2 September 1940, Page 6

GENERAL HERTZOG’S DEFEATISM

General Hertzog, Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of South Africa, is clinging to his defeatist attitude in an extraordinary manner which contrasts with the stout-hearted confidence of the Prime Minister, General Smuts. General Hertzog has forced the House into another debate on the contention that Britain’s position is hopeless, and that “if peace is not concluded Afrikaanders will soon take the law into their own hands.” Such tactics must be exceedingly galling to General Smuts and the majority of South Africans, who have shown in a very practical way their determination to aid Britain to a successful conclusion of the war.

Hertzog has moved a motion demanding the immediate restoration of peace with Germany and Italy. He has failed dismally in similar efforts before, and it was inevitable that he would fail again. Obviously there is something more than fear of defeat behind the attitude of Hertzog and his supporters. In any other British Dominion there could be only one possible course, but South Africa differs from the other Dominions in that it has a large non-British population, among which sentiment is bound to be mixed. But it is difficult to see any light in Hertzog’s reasoning, if it can be called reasoning. Even French territories farther north in Africa are coming trooping back to the Allied colours. An even more friendly attitude could have been expected from the Afrikaander element led by Hertzog. There need be no fear, however, that Smuts will not again triumph over the defeatists and malcontents. He leaves no doubt about what is in store for South Africa and the rest of the Empire if Hitler is allowed to impose his will. Hertzog must prefer German rule. He has not seen Hitler’s “feet of clay,” which Smuts discovered long ago. In the meantime the magnitude of South Africa’s war effort may be gauged from the fact that a supplementary Budget just presented provides for the expenditure of £32,000,000, making the defence expenditure £46,000,000 for the year. That does not suggest that the defeatism of Hertzog has very widespread support in the Union. South African airmen are playing a valiant part in the campaign in North Africa, and home defence preparations are proceeding apace. In spite of his pessimism, Hertzog will yet be rescued from Hitler.