South African consulate

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32540, 25 February 1971, Page 10

South African consulate

Sir, —Christchurch C.A.R.E. opposed the Race Relations Council remit seeking the removal of Mr Philip. We have regarded this Consulate’s' past half truths, evasions, and wholly false implications as opportunities for us to present the truth. We would begrudge losing these opportunities. We also begrudge making Mr Philip appear a martyr, even in the eyes only of such as “The Walrus.” Some of the 67 organisations which Mr Philip claims to have addressed have been careful to hear both sides of the apartheid issue; Christchurch C.A.R.E. is always happy to provide informed speakers who will present the case against apartheid. Other organisations have heard only Mr Philip because they are themselves prejudiced in favour of racist arguments. They are part of a problem which the N.Z.R.R.C. exists to face and one which cannot be salved by getting rid of Mr Philip.—Yours, etc., JOHN GOOD. Secretary, Christchurch C.A.R.E. February 24, 1971.

Sir, —The righteous indignation of “The Walrus” makes interesting reading. Perhaps the statements he makes can be seen in perspective and in their true colour, if he cannot answer the following questions in the affirmative. Has New Zealand a Consulate in South Africa, and has our Consul-General spoken up and down that country explaining New Zealand’s motion of racial equality to 67 bodies, including schools, Rotary Clubs, and other interested organisations? If not why not?—Yours, etc., B.K.R. February 24, 1971.

Sir, —In this International Year to Combat Racism, New Zealand, as a member of the United Nations, can make significant contributions. Closing the South African Consul-General’s office is one. The truth about South Africa would harm it more than any amount of false and misleading information. “The Walrus” should get his priorities right. No member of a white race dare raise an accusing finger against Zambia and Zanzibar, as long as the monstrous horror of apartheid goes on in South Africa. The pathetic plaint, that the activities of C.A.R.E. and simi-

lar organisations against South Africa are “racial discrimination,” is a classic example of the inversion of truth habitual to apologists for apartheid. It is a wry paradox that apartheid maintains rigid racial divisions of black and white, and in justification, argument maintains as stoutly, that black is white.—Yours, etc., M.C.H. February 24, 1971.