The end of a Chapter Long Walk Original Manuscript (Image #399)

add even a fraction of an ounce to its sovereignity but it was a passionate dream which had inspired the Afrikaner throughout his history here and the declaration of a republic was the severence of the last remaining historical link with the British Crown and its realisation the final triumph of Afrikaner nationalism. The formal proclamation of the republic was made on May 31st, 1961. That was the end of a chapter. South Africa was still a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations whose character now had radically changed since its formation. Now it had a majority of black prime ministers who were vocal in condemning apartheid and South Africa's position as purveyor of the idea of the inferiority of the black man had become untenable. The Canadian premier (Diefenbaker?) had always been outspoken in his attacks on racial discrimination and with the increase in the number of South Africa's critics in the Commonwealth, even those premiers who had soft peddled all along became vocal also. Immediately prior to the conference, the United Front was particularly active, conferring with statesmen like Nehru, Nkrumah, Nyerere and others to kick out South Africa if she was not prepared to change her racial policies. South African whites have been bred on racialism for 3 centuries and mere speeches alone, however scathing they may be, will never make them surrender and share political power and the natural wealth of the country with the blacks. Racialism is engrained in their blood and in their religion. If Chrits were black and Satan white they would certainly denounce Christianity and worship the Devil instead. In everything but name they have set their faces against the common