South African Prime Minister H.F. Verwoerd , attended Participation the conference to give Giving formal notice that his country was to become Becoming a republic in May 1961 after having approved Ratification the constitutional change Change in an October 1960 referendum .

Once it became Becoming clear that South Africa 's membership would be rejected Agree_or_refuse_to_act , Verwoerd withdrew Escaping his country 's application and left Departing the conference .