World Notes SOUTH AFRICA

Shortly after suffering a stroke three weeks ago, South African State President P.W. Botha gave every indication he would soon resume power. But last week Botha, 73, who was partly paralyzed by his illness, surprised even his closest colleagues by abruptly resigning as leader of the ruling National Party. He stays on, however, as President until elections, expected by summer.

A caucus quickly elected Frederik W. de Klerk, 52, to replace Botha. Party leader of the populous Transvaal province and Education Minister in Botha's Cabinet, De Klerk has been heir apparent for the past seven years. He is a conservative and an apartheid advocate, a younger, more articulate version of P.W. Botha and, like him, happy with a glacial pace of "reform" that nonetheless maintains minority white control.

De Klerk is now the clear favorite to assume the job of State President when Botha steps down after leading the party to victory at the polls. Because splitting the duties of the two offices holds the potential for conflict, Botha's move increased speculation that he will call for elections sooner rather than later.