Campaign aims to close consulate

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 6

Campaign aims to close consulate

PA Wellington

Anti-apartheid groups plan to begin a campaign to close the South African Consulate and end South Africa’s diplomatic representation in New Zealand. Almost 250 activists from many parts of New Zealand agreed on the outline of the campaign yesterday, the closing day of a two-day national anti-apartheid conference.

Mr D. Rockell, the National Anti-apartheid Committee’s organiser, said the campaign was intended not only to close the consulate but to end New Zealand recognition of the South African Government.

The campaign, to be launched on a date yet to be decided, is planning to culminate on a “mobilisation day,” probably Soweto Day, June 16, next year.

Every meeting at which consulate staff speak will be picketed, if possible.

The conference decided to

apply constant pressure to the consulate “by all appropriate means.”

The activists plan to distribute throughout New Zealand a background leaflet publicising the work of the consulate since 1962.

They also plan to press the Government to conform to the statement made to the United Nations General Assembly last month by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Taiboys) that: “We have refused to contemplate any exchange of diplomatic representatives.”

In Wellington, sustained or frequent picketing of the consulate building is planned, letters and press statements will be produced, and the city will be the main focus of activity on “mobilisation day.”

The conference also called for “appropriate action with regard to consul staff.” Attached to copies of the resolution were lists of the

names and addresses of consulate staff and their families. Mr Rockell denied that this clause meant that the conference was sanctioning harassment of families.

Internationally, the campaign to end South African representation in New Zealand will work along the lines established by H.A.R.T. and C.A.R.E. in fighting sporting contacts between the two nations.

Overseas groups will be kept informed of developments, and the Organisation of African Unity and similar bodies will be told of statements by leaders in New Zealand as they compare with statements made overseas.

Other targets for attack during the anti-apartheid campaign will be the Rothmans cigarette company, a multi-national with close ties to South Africa, and the Rotary Club’s international exchange programme with South Africa.