THE PROTECTORATES OF SOUTH AFRICA: THE QUESTION OF THEIR TRANSFER TO THE UNION

CONTENTS:

PART I. THE CASE FOR DELAY By MARGERY PERHAM
I. Legacies of History
II. The Protectorates at the Union
III. The Condition of the Protectorates

PART II. THE CASE FOR TRANSFER By LIONEL CURTIS
I. The Balkanization of South Africa
II. The Cure for Balkanization
III. Native Policy under the Union
IV. The Protectorates under British Rule
V. The Case for an Inspectorate
VI. Reasons for Transfer Examined
VII. Effect on Native Welfare of Refusing Transfer

PART III. THE CASE FOR DELAY RESTATED By MARGERY PERHAM
I. Mr. Curtis Reviewed
II. Native Opinion and Transfer
III. The Administrative Problem
IV. The Element of Nationality

"This book is based on articles by Miss Perham and Mr. Curtis in The Times, but contains further material of considerable interest. Its sections are admirably arranged, the whole slender volume is well set out, and the authors have done a public service in presenting, in such an attractive form, the arguments for and against a proposal of very great significance to all affected by it. Bigger topics of international importance have contrived to thrust this domestic Empire problem into the background, but it will be prominent again, and the issues involved have applications and possible repercussions beyond South Africa.

The opposing champions are admirably qualified to put the main points of the controversy before us. Miss Perham has equipped herself, academically and other-wise, to be able to utilise her wide experience of African travel, and gives shrewd and penetrating judgements. Mr. Curtis has a long-standing knowledge of South Africa, and is, at the same time, a well-known and popular Englishman. He writes with great persuasiveness and obvious sincerity.

The historical chapters, dealing with matters fundamental in the controversy, are clear and fairly stated on both sides. The various references to conditions in the Protectorates and the lot of the Union native differ in emphasis and intention, but combine to give a fairly complete picture. The conflicting views of the justice and effect of the proposed transfer do not lack frankness, in spite of the evident appreciation of the need for treading on as few corns as possible. Miss Perham, as is the prerogative of her sex, gets the last, as well as the first word, though Mr. Curtis equals her output in chapters.

Miss Perham argues the case, not for final refusal, but for delay, while Mr. Curtis is for early transfer. Miss Perham marshals strong evidence of the "obligations of honour of the greatest possible weight" - quoting Lord Selborne - which lie upon Britain in respect of these Protectorates, in connection with the various treaties and promises which Britain has made. She shows, further, that, at time of the passing of the Union Act, uneasy members of Parliament were assured that the Cape Franchise was absolutely secure, and that what enabled the Bill to get through was the expectation that the Cape tradition would, in time, leaven the whole Union. We have seen how illusory, alike, were the assurances and the expectations.

She makes also the important point that the Government in the House of Commons interpreted the schedule as purely permissive. In view of the claims which have been based on this schedule, it is well to have Miss Perham's dictum, for which she gives authoritative backing, that "the schedule appears, not as a promise, but as a permission, and one dependent upon conditions and safeguards"."

(from the Review by T. Drummond Shiels, Journal of the Royal Society of Arts Vol. 84, No. 4330, November 15th, 1935, pp. 16-18)

Red cloth hardcover; Text in English; Collation complete - Title page, 119 pages, with 1 double-page map at the front paste down and free endpaper; Binding is tight and firm, overall in very good condition. Minor bumping to the spine and corners, slight discoloration. Binding is strong and secure, hinges and joints are whole and remains strong. Text block/pages very bright and clear, with a slight yellowing only, otherwise no markings or annotations, a few small foxing dots to page edges. A sound copy of this very rare volume. 

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