U.S. On Racial Injustice

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31071, 28 May 1966, Page 17

U.S. On Racial Injustice

(A’.Z PA -Reuter —Copyright)

WASHINGTON, May 27.

President Johnson, in a speech clearly aimed at whiteminority governments of Africa, has declared firm American opposition to the perpetuation of racial injustice anywhere in the world.

“We will not support policies abroad which are based on the rule of minorities or the discredited notion that men are unequal before the law,” he said. In his first major policy statement on United States-

African relations, the President mentioned only Rhodesia by name, but officials said his remarks also applied to South Africa and the Portuguese territories on the continent. President Johnson was addressing Ambassadors of 36 member States of the Organisation of African Unity at a White House ceremony commemorating the third anniversary of the founding of the organisation this week. His speech, officials emphasised, was intended to express United States interest in Afri can affairs in spite of its preoccupation with Vietnam. President Johnson reiterated American support for Britain’s effort to bring down Rhodesia’s present regime, which declared independence six months ago. “Only when this is accomolished can steps be taken to open th? full power and responsibility of nationhood to all the people of Rhodesia—and not just 6 per cent of

them," the President declared. He revealed that he had sent a personal message to President Kenneth Kaunda, of Zambia, assuring him of United States aid to help withstand economic pressure following Rhodesian independence.

President Johnson expressed his Administration's desire to continue helping Africa's economic and social development, particularly in regional endeavours.