To put the matter in perspective (as this is an "open
letter"), i realize that certain parties internationally have,
since 1978, credited me personally with putting forward the idea
of applying the economic sanctions against South Africa (to lead
to the end of apartheid) and other governments and discernable
groups in the international community which practise policies
inconsistent with world
understanding and agreement maintaining international peace and
providing potential for better relations between
adversaries.
In general terms, this is correct and cannot be denied because
it is well documented and can be substantiated by the United
Nations Secretary-General's Office, for instance. (You should
note that i discussed this directly with Gorin Ohlin, the
U.N. Assistant Secretary-General, during his April, 1986 visit
to Vancouver.)
As, therefore, is further realized, proceeding from the 1978
work...eight years ago...i am the original source of
"constructive engagement" because the original work and
representations stopped short of formally insisting upon the
immediate imposition (then) of sanctions.
However, to prevent misunderstanding presently, it should be
reiterated that it was made clear in 1978 that personally i
favoured sanctions if this "constructive engagement" failed to
lead to the end of apartheid and President Carter's
equivalent views and disapproval of apartheid were included in
my representations at that time. I spoke to his Atlanta office
on May 19, 1986 about this matter and they suggested that i
proceed presently "independently." The 1978 representation was
a legitimate one. Pressures now being applied make it certain
that world awareness of our disapproval eight years ago will
result. Disputes with the authority will draw Jimmy
Carter into the controversy in a leading role despite his
present status without holding elected office.
Our present "concerns" apply to whether your government intends
to respect the terms of reference central to the 1978
communications or would prefer to risk encouraging the civil war
in South Africa it contends it does not seek.
The 1978 communications did make clear that the plans were
intended for more than applying pressure on the supporters of
apartheid. Hence, the unanswered questions about the attacks on
South Africa's neighbours, in this context require answers
immediately, with more substantial evidence of the government's
plans to end apartheid by peaceful and legitimate means which
respect the human rights of the blacks, or it would be assumed
that South Africa pursues the domination and oppression of all
Africans--giving lie to all its claims to be a democracy and
actively pursuing justice for the blacks of South Africa by
peaceful and legitimate means as a member of the international
community...and particularly, the West.
I believe i am correct in recalling that a statement from me to
the South African Government was promised in 1978 regarding this
aspect of my "International Diplomatic
Work...on a direct basis," and this can be regarded as such
even though i am not prepared presently to state that a
definitive policy decision has been made on behalf of those
others originally and since represented.
For instance, a submission is being prepared for Prime Minister Thatcher and it
is probable that the British decision will be underlined at the
August, 1986 meeting of the Commonwealth heads of state.
Therefore, clearly, notwithstanding the recommendations by the
Commonwealth eminent persons committee presently, my "influence"
in this field continues beyond the end of their work--as i
stated to Desmond Tutu in the statement to him which i
provide you with the copy of here. And as i must send follow-up
statements to "The Organization of African Unity" and other
interested parties, it should not be assumed by the Botha
Government that its June 21, 1986 "peace talks" will be the last
word on the matter if satisfaction is not provided for all those
affected.
DON'T THINK THE WISDOM OF THOMAS JEFFERSON IS PASSÉ YET IN WHAT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO FROM YOUR GOVERNMENT? LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD: TAKE A BRIEF SIDESTEP HERE TO SIGN MY GUESTBOOK.