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THE PROBLEM OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
Of all the challenges before us, of all the purposes we have in common, racial justice is one of the most basic. This is a dominant issue of our age, within nations and among nations. We know from our own experience that the goal of racial justice is both compelling and achievable. Our support for this principle in Southern Africa is not simply a matter of foreign policy, but an imperative of our own moral heritage.
The people of Zambia do not need to be reminded of the importance, of realizing this goal. By geography and economic necessity, Zambia is affected directly and grieviously by strife in Southern Africa. Political stability in this region means more to Zambia thản to many others. Yet Zambia has chosen to stand by her principles by closing her border with Rhodesia and enduring the economic consequences. This is a testimony to the determination of the people of this country and to the statesmanship of its great leader, President Kaunda.
And it was in this city seven years ago that leaders of East and Central African states proclaimed their manifesto on Southern Africa.
One is struck by the similarity of philosophy in the American Declaration of Independence and in the Lusaka Manifesto. Two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
And seven years ago, the leaders of East and Central Africa declared here in Lusaka that: "By this Manifesto we wish to make clear, beyond all shadow of doubt, our acceptance of the belief that all men are equal, and have equal rights to human dignity and respect, regardless of color, race, religion, or sex. We believe that all men have the right and duty to
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