Capetown, Apr. 20.
"We would flee from South-West Africa just as soon as we would from the Union," declared General JBM. Hertzog, the Prime Minister, speaking in the House of Assembly today during the second reading of he South-West Africa Police Bill.
The Bill aims at incorporating the South-West African Police in the South African Police, as an emergency measure during a period of international tension "We will protect South-African territory as we would protect our own nationals," the Premier added.
From "Ta Tao" Escorted Van, Police Investigate Six or eight gangsters—witnesses are not quite certain of the exact number—stopped a Johnston light truck along Brennan Road early yesterday morning, ordered the "Ta Tao" policemen, who were escorting it, as well as the driver, off the vehicle and drove away with 800 1b. of opium valued at about $144,000. The abandoned vehicle was found along Rue Chu Pao San, commonly referred to as Shanghai's blood alley, two hours later.
The drug, it appears, was brought across Soochow Creek and landed in Jessüeld village at about 5 a.m. and a number of "Ta Tao" policemen took charge of the precious cargo which was presumably "destined for the Various dens in the Japanese controlled Western district. A Johnston light van, which had been ordered by a Chinese over the telephone, arrived at the spot and the policemen together with some coolies, loaded the eight tins containing 100 lb. each, unto the vehicle.
A few minutes later the car departed along Brennan Road but wa soon stopped by the gangsters who chose a spot which was crowded to capacity with early morning shoppers and vehicles, making it impossible for the driver to accelerate witt a view to preventing the hold-up The gangsters disarmed two of the "Ta Tao" policemen—the others had no weapons—and ordered all of them, including the driver, off the van, of which they took command and sped in an easterly direction. whils one of the gunmen pointed his pistol at the men that had been left behind and ordered them to walk in the opposite direction.
As soon as the driver could reach a telephone, he communicated with the police and a city-wide search was immediately instituted for the van, which had presumably been taken into the Settlement or the Concession as the gangsters, no doubt, considered it far too dangerous to dispose of their loot in "Ta Tao" territory.
The abandoned van was subsequently found abandoned along Rue Chu Pao San whilst various detectives both in the Concession and the Settlement are still making enquiries with a view to gaining possession of the large quantity of opium.
Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing further could be learnt. although it is believed that it will not take detectives long to seize the drug and arrest the culprits, The possibility that they will attempt to restore the cargo to its owners against a suitable reward is also being investigated.
King Opens £850,000
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.