Document 7

This is an excerpt from a pamphlet on the racial situation in the Union of South Africa. It sets out the general

principles of apartheid established by the National Party in 1948.

… The party [National Party] therefore undertakes to protect the White race properly and

effectively against any policy, doctrine or attack which might undermine or threaten its

continued existence. At the same time the party rejects any policy of oppression and

exploitation of the non-Europeans by the Europeans as being in conflict with the Christian

basis of our national life and irreconcilable with our policy.

The party believes that a definite policy of separation (apartheid) between the White races

and the non-White racial groups, and the application of the policy of separation also in the

case of the non-White racial groups, is the only basis on which the character and future of

each race can be protected and safeguarded and on which each race can be guided so as to

develop his own national character, aptitude and calling.…

Source: National Party, “The National Party’s Colour Policy,” March 29, 1948

According to this excerpt from this National Party pamphlet, what was one way the National Party justified

its racial policy?