South Africa

Press, 23 September 1988, Page 12

South Africa

Sir,—One country absent from the magnificent opening of the Seoul Olympics was South Africa. As one of the few countries which provided top air cover for United Nations forces during the Korean War, South Africa had the right to be there. Such hypocrisy on a magnificent scale! China and Russia welcomed with open arms; not forgetting Korea’s former oppressor, Japan. South Africa less welcome than North Korea. That is gratitude for you. — Yours etc., ALASTAIR MURRAY. September 17, 1988. Sir,—Unlike Bill Barry (September 19), I have no need to pin my hopes oh figments of the imagination. I have known the wonderful feeling of successfully facing up to threats of libel

action, etc., after having spoken out against injustices. My comment to the closing sentence of his letter is that it is not a matter of “if,” but “when” the campaign against apartheid is successful. — Yours, etc., KENNETH EBER MARTIN. September 20, 1988.

Sir, —Vernon Wilkinsqn is correct (September 19). I have no time for “negative” stirrers, but I always respect his views. thetically, I would happily stir up local revulsion at current murder, rape, road carnage, political hypocrisy — you name it — but it would just be beating the air, at my age, in our once lovely country. However, “political hypocrisy” and the South Africabaiting syndrome need clarification. Not one Government member of Parliament, and/or spouse or offspring, have I ever noticed to be reluctant to purchase diamonds, most of which originate in South Africa. Future brides and prospectively , bankrupt jewellers would surely revolt against such sanctions. Industry needs industrial diamonds, too. I should love to know the moral answer to this one. — Yours, etc. JOHN LESLIE. September 19, 1988.