Senate passes curbs against S. Africa

Press, 13 July 1985, Page 10

Senate passes curbs against S. Africa

NZPA-Reuter Washington In a set-back to the President, Mr Ronald Reagan, the United States Senate overwhelmingly voted yesterday for economic sanctions against South Africa to protest against apartheid. The Senate, led by Mr Reagan’s own Republican Party, passed the antiapartheid bill by an 80-to-12 vote despite White House protests. Republicans lead the Senate by a 53 to 47 margin over Democrats. The bill, stalled since Tuesday by a band of hardcore Republican conservatives, must be reconciled with a stronger sanctions measure approved by the

Opposition Democrat-led House of Representatives. The bill prohibits any United States bank loans to the South African Government and exports of nuclear goods and computers. In addition, it would establish SUSIS million ($31.65 million) in scholarships for black South Africans and authorise SUSI.S million ($3.16 million) to help apartheid victims. The House bill calls for the same sanctions as the Senate but would also prohibit any United States expansion of business in South Africa or imports of South African gold krugerrands. Before ,the Senate measure was passed a rider was adopted to mint an

American gold coin to compete with the krugerrand. The gold coin, which would be the first official gold coin since the United States abandoned the gold standard for the dollar in 1933, cleared by voice vote. The Assistant Senate Democratic Leader, Mr Alan Cranston, of California, said that Mr Reagan would probably sign a sanctions bill because most Republicans backed one. The Reagan Administration has argued that its policy of “constructive engagement” — diplomatic efforts to get a change in apartheid — is the proper course for the United States.