The Call of 1949

After two great wars, two disillusioning peaces, tough old Field Marshal Jan Christian Smuts, South Africa's ex-Premier, faced his 80th year. Said Smuts:

"The old year is speeding to a close, and we look to its going without regrets. It has been an unkind, unhappy year. The old year appropriately ends with drought in our land, but it is nothing like the drought of the spirit from which we have been suffering . . . The forces of disintegration and evil are marshaling for another trial of strength which may not be war, but something even more disastrous for our civilized values and for the human future. Here as well as abroad we should read the signs of the times aright and shake off this malaise of the. spirit which has overcome us. South Africa, awake! World, awake from your slumbers and your dream world of ease, absentmindedness and irresponsibility! That is the call of 1949 to us all. Best wishes will not be enough."

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