Nigeria cited as boycott sinner

Press, 16 August 1978, Page 6

Nigeria cited as boycott sinner

PA Wellington Nigeria took part in a sports even; listed by the Hal: All Racist Tours group as an example of a significant New Zealand contact with South Africa, according to the Prime Minister (Mr ?.luldoon). Mr Muldoon has released a three-pagv statement re viewing comments made about New Zealand by the president of the Supreme G uncil for Sport in Africa <Mr Abraham Ordia i and the •H.A.R.T. list” circulated throughout the Common"If the so-called evidence

of the H.A.R.T. list had any influence at all on the Nigerian withdrawal from Edmonton it is even more mischievous than is apparent at first sight,” he said. "It includes, as a 'significant; contact with South Africa,’ New Zealand participation in ’he world professional golf cup contest in Manila, a competition in which I am now informed Nigeria was placed fifth from last.” Mr Muldoon accused Mr Ordia of contradicting himself in a statement about New Zealand's honouring of the Gleneagles Agreement. “In an interview in London with the NZPA corres-

pondent, Ron Palenski, last September, Mr Ordia was quoted as saying that New Zealand was adhering to the i letter and spirit of the Gleneagles Agreement, and while it continued to do so neither her nor his colleagues on the Supreme Council would have any quarrel with it,” Mr Muldoon said. “This was a few weeks after seven New Zealanders, i acting as individuals, played in an international rugby 'team in South Africa. “Mr Ordia did not see that contact as a breach of the Gleneagles Agreement, but H.A.R.T. now includes the event in a list of New Zea-.

’land sporting contacts with 'South Africa which it cites as evidence of a breach of the ' Gleneagles Agreement.” The list of alleged contacts contained 17 separate sporting events, Mr Muldoon said. "I have had some inquiries made into the H.A.R.T. alleglations, and on 12 of the 17: occasions nominated by; H.A.R.T. it has been possible to list, although not exhaust-, ively, more than 40 partici-; pating countries, other than South Africa and New Zealand. “On all 12 occasions Australia was present, and on 10 ■occasions teams from the .United Kingdom took part. I

“On nine occasions, th* United States was repre sented, and both Spain anc Ireland took part in eigh of the 12 contests. “When evidence like thii comes to light, those whc point an accusing finger at New Zealand as a lorn offender, in an otherwise compliant world, look ridicu lous,” he said. Of the 17 sports meetings six had Britain as their host and three the United States “At this very moment, i representative United State: rugby team, the Cougars, ii touring South Africa,” saic Mr Muldoon. “It will be interesting t<

■'see whether the supreme ■ council of sport for Africa I'calls for a boycott of the .; United States on the ground That it has sent a national rteam to play South Africa's ■ 'national sport on South 'African soil.” H.A.R.T. said yesterday, that it had sent a telegram ■ to the leaders of the four main political parties asking ,jthat “consistent with the . principles and provisions of .'the Gleneagles Agreement,” ■'they make clear before the ■ election their party’s i “strenuous opposition” to the scheduled 1981 Springbok, i'rugby tour of New Zealand, |