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Cable to the United Nations Opposing Incorporation of South-West Africa, by Dr. A. B. Xuma, January 1946

Publication date

January 1946

Published date

Last updated

The Chairman

General Assembly

United Nations Organisation

West Minister

London

Africans South Africa Protest against [proposed] incorporation South West Africa into Union. Pray urge control Territory by UNO Trusteeship Council. Mandate over territory was under Article 22 Covenant League of Nations.

Africans South West Africa no share in Government therefore take no part in incorporation negotiations. South Africa itself denies political and economic rights her 8,000,000 Africans. 83 percent Land reserved for 2,000,000 Europeans only less than 17'/2 per cent for 8,000,000 Africans. Only 40 per cent African Children accommodated in mission schools. 95 per cent Africans are imprisoned under discriminatory regulations against Africans only. South Africa must first remove colour bar, restrictions, discrimi­nations at home.

(Sgd) - A.B. Xuma

President - General

South African National Congress

Note: Moses Kotane wrote to Dr. Xuma on January 30, 1946, to congratulate him on his cable regarding South West Africa. "My quarrel with you and Congress," he wrote, "has been over the fact that you and Congress leadership generally let things go by default, that you do not speak up when you should and when it is necessary that you should. However, well done this time, sir. The Government will gnash its teeth but the Africans will appreciate your action deeply."