375. Telegram From the Department of State to Multiple Diplomatic Posts1

188581. Subject: NewsomSole Demarche. Ref: A) Pretoria 4845;2 B) Cape Town [omission in original] C) Johanesburg 1556.3

1. (C–Entire text).

2. There follows talking points prepared for Newsom-Sole meeting (septel)4 which addressees may draw from in discussion with SAG officials:

—I want to register with you the concern of the USG over the South African Government’s drift toward greater political repression.

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—Specifically, I want to mention the banning order issued to Fanyana Mazibuko by South African Security Police. Mr. Mazibuko is a prominent, moderate black leader and spokesman, well-known to our diplomats and numerous American visitors. He has been a devoted advocate of improved black education and training and has featured prominently in the nascent black/white dialog in South Africa.

—Unfortunately, the case of Fanyana Mazibuko is only the latest in numerous detentions without charge or trial and bannings of leading, moderate political figures we have witnessed in the last three months.

—We judge detention without charge or trial to be a major irritant in racial relations in South Africa, one which encourages a growing disrespect for the law. Detentions under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act and Section 10 of the General Laws Amendment Act are particularly objectionable because they provide for indefinite detention without charge and can involve the punitive use of solitary confinement.

—Removing moderate, credible, effective leaders from the scene can only be counterproductive in the process of peaceful change.

—We have previously raised with you our concern over the ban on political gatherings and the effects of closing off channels for peaceful dissent.

—We view the rejection of the major reform initiative, the President’s Council, to have happened primarily because it excludes blacks and because its introduction was accompanied by a general political crackdown.

—The effectiveness of future reforms will depend upon their acceptance by a majority of all racial groups. We fear that a continuation of recent trends in South Africa would seriously damage any prospects of that support. Furthermore, it would place further strain on our bilateral relations.

Talking points on Miami unrest,5 if raised:

—By commenting on disquieting trends in South Africa, we do not mean to imply that all of our own racial problems are solved.

—Recent events in Miami make us no less anxious to convey to your government our concern that recent trends toward increased political [Page 1119] repression are seriously jeopardizing the chances for peaceful political change in South Africa.

2. Memcon and press statement follow in septels.6

Muskie
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800344–0559. Confidential; Immediate. Sent to Pretoria and the Consulates in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Drafted by William E. Lucas (AF/S) and approved by Peter J. DeVos (AF/S). Sent for information Priority to London and USUN.
  2. See footnote 2, Document 374.
  3. In telegram 1556 from Johannesburg, July 15, the Consulate provided more details on Mazibuko’s banning. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D80039–1086)
  4. In telegram 188637 to Dakar, July 17, the Department reported on the meeting. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800344–0720)
  5. Reference is to the Miami, Florida, riots May 17–20, sparked by the acquittal of white police officers accused in the beating death of a black motorist. (“14 Die in Miami Riot; Arson and Looting Persist For 2d Day,” New York Times, May 19, 1980, p. A1)
  6. In telegram 188637 to Dakar and all African diplomatic posts, July 17, the Department summarized the Newsom-Sole meeting and provided the following press statement, which was released after the meeting: “Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David D. Newsom met with the South African Ambassador, Donald B. Sole, this afternoon to express the deep concern of the United States Government over recent trends in South Africa. Mr. Newsom stressed particularly events of recent months including a pervasive ban on peaceful assembly, widespread detentions without charge or trial, and bannings of moderate leaders of all racial groups including, most recently, Fanyana Mazibuko a prominent figure in black education in South Africa.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800344–0720)