We are much impressed by the ardent patriotism of the
men of the Durham Castle' and of the people of Cape Town who cheered them as the ship sailed. It is a reminder to any would- be seceders that the British spirit has to be reckoned with and will prove unconquerable. Yet we think that the seamen went too far in applying their boycott to people who are not aliens but fellow-subjects, and who have not committed any overt act of treason, whatever may be thought of their political views. If the boycott of alien enemies is extended to become an unofficial censorship of passenger-lists, it will break down, for a censorship is always apt to make stupid errors. Admiral ffitaherbert, who offered the Nationalist delegates a passage in H.M.S. ' Minerva,' showed by contrast that wise and large- hearted tolerance which is the pride of Britain and the despair of our enemies. His offer implied the confident belief, which we share, that the Nationalists could come to Paris and state their case for secession without doing the least harm to the British Empire. If they had been compelled to remain in South Africa, they might profess a grievance.
Previous page
