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Air Plans for Pan-african Conference to Combat Nazism

July 20, 1938
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Possibility of a pan-African and Anglo-South African conference to consider the menace of intensified Nazi activities in south west Africa is being discussed by prominent south African leaders, it is learned here.

The planned “Armed Census” and recent disclosures of Nazi activities have focussed attention on the danger to the security of the Union of South Africa resulting from Nazi activities in the mandated south west territory. It is understood that members of the South African United Party plan to raise the question in party caucus and in the House when it meets late this month.

The expose of Nazi activities in South West Africa has been followed by numerous press demands for strong action and an appeal to the Dutch reformed church, issued “in the name of many thousands of god fearing Afrikaners,” protesting against persecution of Jews and urging a fight against the Nazi menace.

The Cape Times declares editorially that the Union Government cannot for a moment admit the German claim of dual allegiance. The Johannesburg Star advocates legislation forbidding propagation of foreign ideologies, movements against racial and religious sections of the community and quasi-military organizations. The Windhoek advertiser warns that unless immediate action is taken a German minority problem similar to Czechoslovakia’s may arise. The Sunday Times quotes a prominent South West African leader as stating that the Government is reluctant to curb Nazi activities, not wishing to antagonize Germany “for trade reasons.”

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