Need Seen For West To Define Attitude To S.A.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30171, 1 July 1963, Page 11

Need Seen For West To Define Attitude To S.A.

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, June 30. It is rapidly becoming clear that the Western Powers, particularly Britain and the United States, will soon have to define their attitude towards South Africa, the “Observer” said today. Their attitude would have to be far more precise than they had been willing to define so tar. “The meeting of the International Labour Organisation at Geneva has shown that the African and Asian States are now determined to force the issue of South Africa’s membership not only of the LL.O. itself, but of the United Nations.” it said. “The demand for the expulsion of South Africa from the United Nations brings into conflict two distinct concepts of that organisation’s nature. “Originally election to the United Nati<»s was a sign of positive moral approval membership was limited to those Slates who had fought against Hitler and had antiFascist credentials. But in practice no qualifications are now needed

“Membership is automatic for new States, which is why the attitude of the United States towards Communist China seems so illogical.

“The case for expelling South Africa from the United Nations is therefore less than clear-cut—even if some formula can be devised to indicate that the expulsion is based not on South Africa's general moral tqrpitude, but because it is the only State which has racial discrimination as its official policy. “In any case, such gestures of outrage often do more good to those making them that those whom they are meant to help," it said. "But what the West cannot ignore is the determination of the Afro-Asian nations to get action of some kind— of which the demand for expulsion is a symptom. “The efforts of Britain and America to avoid specific commitments while ex-

pressing general disapproval of apartheid—will become increasingly laboured as pressure builds up ik impose economic sanction* and an arms embargo on South Africa,” the “Observer” said.