Corporation And S.A. Govt At Odds

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32280, 24 April 1970, Page 24

Corporation And S.A. Govt At Odds

(NZ.P.A.-Beater—CopurigM)

JOHANNESBURG, April 22. The South African Government and one of the world’s biggest industrial combines appear to be heading for a row over apartheid in industry in South Africa.

The Minister of Mines and Planning (Dr Carol de Wet) has warned that he would take swift action against the giant Anglo-American Corporation if he did not receive a guarantee from the corporation’s chairman, Mr Harry Oppenheimer, that Anglo - American would refrain from promoting race integration in South Africa. Mr Oppenheimer, a staunch member of the country's Left-wing Progressive Party, has frequently spoken of the need for greater utilisation of African and Coloured (mixed race) skilled and semi-skilled labour in South African industry. His views are In direct conflict with the apartheid policies of the Government Mr de Wet claims that he had frequently asked Mr Oppenheimer: “Are you going to use your factories to promote integration in South Africa?” Mr de Wet said that he would not allow Mr Oppenheimer and the Progressive Party to destroy South Africa’s apartheid policies. Mr Oppenheimer is now visiting Australia and as far as is known has not yet replied to Mr de Wet’s threat. Toning down his threat last night, Mr de Wet said: “If he wishes to co-operate it is not too late. My door is hot closed to him and his board of directors provided

he gives evidence before hand that be is serious abou wanting to assist in th implementation of Govern ment policy.” The row appears to be ove the employment of non-whit skilled and semi-skilled lat our in urban areas and Government suspicion tha the Anglo-American Corpora tion is not playing its par in moving industry to area near the African homeland: