S.A. TOUR OF U.K.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29154, 15 March 1960, Page 19

S.A. TOUR OF U.K.

Boycott. Hint By Gaitskell

LONDON, March 14.

The leader of the Labour Party (Mr Gaitskell) hinted last night that Labour might favour a boycott of the South African cricket team’s matches in England this year as a protest against apartheid. The hint came during a meeting at Dewsbury in Yorkshire after Mr Gaitskell had delivered a considered attack on South Africa’s racial policies. A tall man stood up in the balcony and called to Mr Gaitskell: “I would like to know why there is not going to be a boycott put on the South African tour. I believe that to play test matches between this country and South Africa is hypocrisy.” Mr Gaitskell replied: “Personally I detest the application of a colour bar in sport as much as I do anywhere else. I deplore it. “We shall have to consider when the time comes in what way we can best make known to those who come how we feel about this subject. I think we shall have to consider that carefully.” Mr Gaitskell’s remarks drew an acid comment from the assistant Secretary of the M.C.C., Mr Billy Griffiths, reported the “Daily Mail.”

He said: “I don’t think politics should be mixed with sport. We would welcome a side from any country whatever its race, creed or colour. We always have in the past. It is not for us to say how it is selected.” The chairman of the England selectors, Mr G. O. Allen, told the “Daily Express” that cricketers tried to keep out of politics. He wished politicians would try to keep out of cricket.

British Soccer. A Soccer League Division three match between Accrington Stanley and Brentford, scheduled to be played on Saturday, was brought forward and played on Friday night. The result was: Accrington Stanley 3, Brentford 4. London, March 13.

World Record.—Stephan Hyanov, of the Soviet Union, improved his own world bantamweight press weight-lifting record today when he lifted 244J1b in an international competition in Helsinki.—Moscow, March 13.