‘Only Communists Welcome Ban’

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30603, 20 November 1964, Page 13

‘Only Communists Welcome Ban’

(N .Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) PIETERMARITZBURG, November 19. Sir de Villiers Graaff, the South African Opposition leader, has said that cancellation between Rritain and South Africa of the Simonstown agreement and of the order for Ruccaneer bombers would only be welcomed by Communist countries.

Opening the Natal congress of the Opposition United Party, he said that as neither the Simonstown agreement nor the order for the Buccaneers had been cancelled, it rested on the shoulders of both Mr Wilson and Dr. Verwoerd, the British and South African Prime Ministers, not to allow a breach of

this nature to happen because the Communist world would welcome it. Outlining South Africa’s position in the international sphere as being without a single military ally in the whole world, he pointed out that South Africa was not a member of N.A.T.0., and that now even the Simonstown agreement was threatened. Sir De Villiers Graaf said Mr Wilson had claimed that his statement on the arms issue had been motivated by the United Nations regulations, but, he said, Mr Wilson had no moral justification for taking that stand. U.N. Charter The United Nations recognised the right of every sovereign and independent state to defend its independence and not to allow any interference in its domestic affairs. “We in South Africa are determined to defend ourselves, and with the weapons of our choice. If the Buccaneers are refused it would be a breach of contract on Britain's part.” In Johannesburg, the “Star,” commenting on Britain’s embargo, said that a final breach between Britain and South Africa was “perilously near.” Under the heading “End of the Affair?”, the paper said the embargo did not come as a surprise. Mr Wilson had always been committed to it “in spite of the serious losses for the British arms industry, and perhaps for British trade generally, which it may involve.”

“The direct effects on South Africa may be less serious. It will cause some delay and readjustment but there are continental suppliers only too ready to take Britain’s place.”