U.N. Meeting Over S.A. Trial

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31587, 26 January 1968, Page 15

U.N. Meeting Over S.A. Trial

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, Jan. 25.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to call on the South African Government today to free 35 people accused of plotting to overthrow by force the administration of South-West Africa.

The 15-nation body scheduled an emergency meeting for 3 p.m. after word was received that those accused would be sentenced tomorrow by a court in Pretoria. Under the South African Terrorism Act, all but three could be condemned to death if the Court holds the charges proven.

The association of the bar of the city of New York has criticised the trial, and 48 African and Asian members of the United Nations who asked yesterday for urgent action by the Security Council branded the trial illegal and a contravention of the international status of SouthWest Arica. South-West Africa, which South Africa administers under a mandate from the defunct League of Nations, has long been in dispute between the United Nations and Pretoria. A resolution of the United Nations General Assembly purported to nullify the mandate, but South Africa has declined to accept its validity. The resolution has not yet been ruled upon by the World Court The assembly also set up a council for the purpose of administering South-West Africa before its attainment of independence. The president of the council—which has also been repudiated by South Africa—-

will take part in today’s debate. The official, Mr B. Akporode Clark, of Nigeria, told N.Z.P.A.-Reuter last night that he expected the Security Council to demand that South Africa discontinue the trial and free the accused. The council session will be the first of 1968, and its new members—Algeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Senegal and Hungary—will be welcomed at the outset and tributes paid to the outgoing members, including Nigeria. The Pakistan Ambassador, Mr Aga Shahi, is president for the month.