DECISION DEPLORED

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33254, 18 June 1973, Page 1

DECISION DEPLORED

The Halt All Racist Tours movement intends to redouble its efforts to ensure that New Zealand does not participate in the world squash rackets championship in South Africa.

Describing the Squash Rackets Association’s decision not to withdraw from the tournament as "deplorable,” Mr T. L. Richards, national chairman of the movement, said in a supplied statement that the tour was a slap in the face for the oppressed of South Africa struggling for peace, freedom and justice.

The association appeared to have been guided in its deliberations by “prejudice and selfishness,” he said. Mr Richards questioned the depth of the association’s consideration of the matter when its president (Mr D. Green) could advance as a reason for proceeding with the tour the allegation that squash was one of the most multi-racial sports in the world. “If that in fact were so, surely it is added reason to withdraw from a tournament being held in South Africa,” said Mr Richards. “What does seem clear is that the Prime Minister will have to rethink his whole attitude to the question. The

[Prime Minister has said that the Government is against New Zealand sports teams travelling to South Africa to play against racially selected teams, but that ‘the ultimate decision must depend on the good sense of our sports administrators and ultimately on the conscience of each player.’

“What the squash association decision shows is that this attitude is a triumph of hope over reason.” Mr Richards predicted that with the withdrawal of India, Pakistan and the U.A.R., the three best squash-playing nations, probably to be followed by two more withdrawals. the tournament would be “a complete and 'utter farce.”