Open AccessIn spite of opposition the Baster Council accepted a constitutional Agreement in August 1923. The malcontents initiated an effective rebellious action by electing their own Council (New Council) to manage the Rehoboth Gebiet. The helpless Old Council finally capitulated. Efforts at mediation by Prime Minister Hertzog were largely unsuccessful, and in December 1924 the South African Government was faced with a unilateral declaration of independence. In retaliation the Baster constitution was suspended and the Rehoboth Gebiet placed under a white Magistracy. The New Council, however, went on undisturbed with the management of the Rehoboth Gebiet. In April 1925, with a demonstration of power, the South African Government forced a showdown and with no loss of life subjected the rebels to their authority. In this military action, Pierre van Ryneveld and his "daring young men in their flying machines" played a major and decisive role.