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as a reward I suppose for supporting the Botha government. I don't think they are likely to honour me for the same reason! though I must say my respect for them has gone up considerably for the way they have managed this affair. It has enormously strengthened their position and has finished Hertzog as a potitical force. At first Hertzog and his M'bongo Fremantle were encouraging the strikes and urging them on. Now I see Hertzog has sent a letter to the 'Friend' supporting law and order and backing up the Govt.

I am still hoping to get home at the end of next summer. My contract expires at the end of June, and if it is renewed I shall apply for six months leave. I really think I deserve it after what I have come

through here. To be an editor in this place you want to sit in your office with a pen in one hand and a revolver in the other and go about the streets in a suit of chain armour. Everyone who imagines he has got a grievance against you seems to consider that assassination is his only remedy. Really the place is only semi-civilised and even the so-called 'society' is not much better. If I could get a job in England at £500 a year tomorrow I would take the first mail boat home.

I have just been having a conversation with Malan through the telephone who tells me that martial law is to remain in operation till Parliament has met and passed the Indemnity Bill. That will be at least three weeks from now. What a country!

Yours ever in affliction

Jock.