The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-06-15
SOUTH AFRICANS
SEEK FREEDOM

LONDON. June 1.-THE nationaIists
of South Africa, headed by General
Hertzos, have launched their political
campaign before the world TO obtain
independence for the Orange Free
State and the Transvaal, which were
merged with the South African Union
under the British crown in 1902, fol-
lowing the Boer war.
Hertzog heads a mission Of ma
tior alists from those states who say
they will present their case to the
Paris peace conference in order to
I obtain reparation Of the injustice
done in 1902" If they do not obtain
satisfaction from the British govern
ment. Hertzog. bitterly opposed to
any arrangement which does not re-
store the Orange Free State and the
Transvaal to their original position.
denies the nationalists' action Will
lead to open rebellion.
at II our intention to use only con-
stitutjonal means to attain our end,
and there can be no question Of open
rebellion" Hertzog. right-hand man
Of General Botha during the Boer
war, told the Manchester Guardian.
HertZog now is a member of the
South African parliament
The South African Nationalists.
Hertzog said. are primarily interest
ed in Independence for the former
Boer States; independence for any
other section Is a secondary consid-
Grafton.
Ask Independence Back.
To-day the principle of restitution
has been accepted by the world pow
ers," Hertzog said, "and we therefore
ask that our independence be given
back 20 us.
The South African Nationalist
party was born in 1913 as q protest
against the imperialistic policy of
General Botha and his government.
The party's main program is that it
is the duty OF the government and
the right OF the people that in the
consideration of any problem in
which South Africa is involved the
interests of South Africa should be
the deciding factor. This principle,
OF course, stood in direct opposition
to the policy now, as always, pur-
sued and proclaimed by the imperial
lists of South Africa, namely, that in
all questions existing between Eng
land and South Africa the interests
of the empire must override those Of
South Africa.
Events since 1913 have convinced
us that the national policy is not and
cannot be carried out consistently as
long as South Africa remains under
the British flag, and our sO-called
government has proved itself TO
be a sham. AS to reasons why no
national policy can be consistently
carried out while we remain In our
present position of dependence, the
following may be mentioned: First,
there is the allegation of the impe-
rialists, supported by General Botha
and his government, that our self
government is of the nature of a mere
conditional grant. and that it can be
withdrawn at any time if the British
government so desires, or II IL is eX-
ercised in a manner contrary to the
will OF the British people"
British Reply.
Against this charge, well-informed
British persons point out that history
shows, as in the case OF Canada, Aus
tralia, Newfoundland, and New Zea-
land, that once self-government, I'M
der the British crown. is granted, it
never is taken away. and that the
conditional nature of the grant is
simply to prevent rebellion or up
break of the empire.
General Hertzog, in his statement
to the Manchester Guardian, gave |
these additional reasons why self
government of the Orange Free State !
and Transvaal was in conflict with
the present system.
]. Those in charge Of the govern |
ment OF the South African Union, in /
time of stress. keep their eyes on the
wishes OF the British government
rather than South Africa.
2. The so-called self-government /
stops the moment it comes to the |