SAIIA SOUTH AFRICAN DIPLOMATS ABROAD.pdf

HE Editorial Committee of the South. Africa and the World
T series of pamphlets presents Mr. Eric Rosenthal's account
of the history and present structure of the Department of External
Affairs of the Union Government as an important first contribution
to the study of this aspect of our international relations.
Some readers may think that Mr. Rosenthal pays too much
attention to the past; others, that he should have said more
about the present. It seems clear to the committee, however,
that most Union citizens have very little idea of the work or
objects of the Department, and it was considered desirable that a
short, balanced version of what has happened and what is
happening should be published. Renan defined a nation as
follows:—
"A nation is a spiritual principle, made by two
things—the one in the present, the other in the
past; the one the possession in common of a rich
bequest of memories: the other a present sense of
agreement, a desire to live together, a will to
continue to make effective the heritage received as
an undivided unity."
South Africa in its virile young nationhood has much to do
in the tasks of making its heritage effective, and not the least
among these is the building up of a strong body of diplomats.
Mr. Rosenthal has wisely refrained from critical comment
although many points arise, but the Editorial Committee hopes
that with Mr. Rosenthal's introduction the subject may become
the theme of many debates, in Parliament and in private.
Johannesburg,
30th July, 1949.
W. J. BUSSCHAU,
Chairman, Editorial Committee.