CIIR says West should get tough with South Africa

TWO REPORTS issued this week suggest that the western nations should adopt a much tougher attitude towards South Africa if the economic plight of neighbouring countries is to be improved.
One is an analysis* of the economic problems of the southern African states bordering South Africa by the Catholic Institute for International Relations and the other an account of a visit to Namibia by a delegation lb the British Council of Churches. Namibia is the African state on South Africa's north-western bbrder illegally occupied by South African troops contrary to a ruling of the International Court of Justice.
The message that emerges from both reports is that the present policy of conciliation towards South Africa being conducted by the West is entirely misguided.
The CIIR report emphasises the economic dependence of the southern African states on South Africa which has its origin in colonial times and which is
frustrating the development of their domestic industry.
The report points out that South Africa is conducting open military and economic aggression against the black African countries on its borders with the aim of destabilising them and maintaining its military and economic dominance.
The conciliatory attitude of the western nations towards South Africa is part of a policy of "wooing" South Africa • out of Namibia. But, the report says, there is no evidence that it is the right one.
Instead of a softening of South Africa's military stance and an end to its policy of destabilisation, the opposite was happening. South Africa had stepped up its aggression and projects to which the western nations were giving assistance though support for the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (set up by the southern African states) were being destroyed.
South African action is also strongly condemned in the report of the visit to Namibia by the
British Council of Churches. delegation, among whose members was Sister Katherine Hughes, Provincial Superior of the Order of Notre Dame.
The delegation criticises the "injustices and discriminations" prevalent in Namibia and calls for the support of British Christians for the leaders of the Catholic and other churches there. These L1 ere trying to improve the living conditions of the Namibian people and protect them from the effects of the political unrest.
"All possible support should be given by British Christians to the CCN (Christian Council of Namibia) and to the small band of dedicated church leaders who comprise its executive. Visits, publications to inform, and financial aid are all important."
Of the political situation the report says: "The fundamental problem in Namibia is its occupation by a foreign power (South Africa)."
*"Southern Africa under Threat", Catholic Institute for International Relations, 12 Coleman Fields, London NWI.