Olympic Gaines

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32301, 20 May 1970, Page 16

Olympic Gaines

Sir, —Those New Zealanders whose hearts are bleeding for South Africa over its expulsion from the Olympic movement, and who deplore and decry the introduction of politics into sport, should consider these facts: that the vast majority of South Africa citizens are already effectively barred from participating in the Olympic Games through the avowed policy of the white ruling minority; the 1.0. C. has extended this ban only to the white minority. As for politics in sport, politics has operated in South African sport throughout its history, as a Commonwealth Dominion and as a republic (when apartheid became a State law) and has been connived at by successive generations of New Zealand Rugby administrators, officials, players, and supporters, until the abandonment of the 1967 tour was forced on them by the political intransigence of the South African Government. Complete sporting isolation could force the South African Government to admit the majority of its citizens into the world sporting community.— Yours, etc., M.C.H. May 19, 1970.

■ Sir, —A part of today’s ediitorial dealing with South 'Africa and the Olympic Games, says “The Press” believes “there is much to be said for retaining sporting contacts . . . those contributing to the mounting pressure to isolate South Africa from world sport are surrendering one of the few weapons that might pierce the armour of apartheid.” Basil D’Oliveira was accused of attempting what you advocate and was refused entry with the M.C.C. team. If the All Blacks have similar reasons—“to pierce the armour of apartheid”— then Mr Vorster, to be consistent, should also refuse entry to our Rugby players. —Yours, etc., T.W.C. 1 May 19, 1970.