Olympic Entry Uncertain

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31345, 15 April 1967, Page 14

Olympic Entry Uncertain

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LAUSANNE (Switzerland).

The South African racial problem and its effect on the 1968 Olympic Games will be the major topic at the International Olympic Committee’s meeting in Teheran next month, United Press International reported.

An official announcement from the 1.0. C: headquarters said the question would be first discussed. In a “new look” sports policy, South Africa’s Prime Minister (Mr Vorster) announced this week that mixed South African teams could compete abroad and mixed teams from abroad could compete in South Africa.

But because South African sportsmen are not allowed to compete in mixed company in South Africa, the 1.0. C. may not allow the country to enter the 1968 games. Early Decision Needed

“With the Olympic Games only a year off, we must decide what South Africa’s position is,” said an 1.0. C. official. “If they are allowed in, they must be given time to prepare. If it is decided to keep them out, they should be told as soon as possible.” Reports from South Africa indicate that the country’s Olympic committee president, Mr F. Braun, is anxious to put the Government’s new policy into effect

He announced that all nonwhite sports bodies would be invited to participate in a conference as a first step towards a nation-wide body representing all races. The non-white organisations would then meet Mr Braun's all-white committee to form a joint committee which would then screen candidates of all races for one Olympic team.

South Africa was excluded from the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo because of Its policy of apartheid in sport.