Sports contacts with S.A. to be ‘on merits’?

Press, 9 March 1987, Page 3

Sports contacts with S.A. to be ‘on merits’?

By

PETER O’HARA

NZPA London A National Government would consider proposed sports contacts with South Africa “on their merits,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, in London.

Mr Bolger said he would not forecast what could happen to any mooted visits by South African sports groups to New Zealand and he expected no invitation would be issued for “some time.”

“Each tour has to be considered on its merits.”

Mr Bolger also said a National Government would adopt a “relatively passive role” towards introducing international sanctions.

“As a small country we are prepared to accept the wisdom of the collective voice of a group like the United Nations or Commonwealth.

“We have seen no great evidence that sanctions in fact produce any great beneficial results.” he said.

“There are those who see sanctions as being the solution to the South Africa problem. We do not share that optimism.” Mr Bolger said he would not forecast what he would do if he was Prime Minister when Commonwealth heads of Government met late this year and there was a push by some nations for economic sanctions against South Africa.