N.Z. Urged To Oppose S.A. Apartheid Policy

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30144, 30 May 1963, Page 9

N.Z. Urged To Oppose S.A. Apartheid Policy

The African National Congress of South Africa has asked New Zealand to make a more realistic appraisal of the situation in South Africa and to “tage cognisance of the fact that the policy of apartheid is now being applied with unparalleled savagery "

A letter to the New Zealand High Commissioner in London (Mr T. L. Macdonald) from Mr Maindy Msimang, the congress’s administrative officer, put the case for the congress’s request.

A copy of the letter submitted to “The Press” said: “While we appreciate the views of the New Zealand Government in 1961, we believe that the events have changed appreciably in the last two years and whatever reasons' your Government may have had in 1961 for believing that the principles of your people could best be expressed by voting against the resolution calling for sanctions against South Africa, subsequent events have clearly shown such a line to be completely ineffectual in persuading the South African Government to adopt a more humane attitude, to abandon the vicious system of racial discrimination under which . the majority of the population is at present persecuted. “We would also ask your Government to take into account the wishes of the oppressed millions of South Africans 'who are convinced that it is only by a total boycott of their country that

they can hope to effect a change in their present desperate conditions,” the letter said.

“We respectfully submit that anybody genuinely interested in serving the cause ot humanity, with particular application to the plight of non-whites who are discriminated against, almost anywhere in the world, will apply the most rigorous restrictions on the expansion and growth of such vicious discrimination.

“In the 'light of this submission, we profoundly regret to observe that New Zealand, continues to traffic with the South African oppressors, not only in trade, but also in culture, sport and other spheres. ■ "We earnestly • request from your Government an unequivocal statement of its opposition to racial oppression —a statement Which will be backed up by action and will not be allowed merely to exist in the records of debating chambers.”