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SOUTH AFRICA
Apartheid in South Africa remains an issue of great concern to those committed to racial justice and human dignity.
No country, no people can claim perfection in the realm of human rights. We in America are aware of our own imperfections. But because we are a free society, our problems and our short- comings are fully aired and made known to the world. And we have reason to take pride in our progress in the quest for justice for all in our country.
The world community's concern with South Africa is not merely that racial discrimination exists there. What is unique is the extent to which racial discrimination has been institutional- ized, enshrined in law and made all-pervasive.
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No one--including the leaders of black Africa--challenges the right of white South Africans to live in their country. They are not colonialists; historically, they are an African people. But white South Africans must recognize as well that the world will continue to insist that the institutionalized separation of the races must end. The United States appeals to South Africa to heed the warning signals of the past two years; there is still time to bring about à reconciliation of South Africa's peoples for the benefit of all. But there is a limit to that time--a limit of far shorter duration than was generally perceived even a few years ago.
A peaceful end to institutionalized inequality is in the interest of all South Africans. The United States will continue to encourage and work for peaceful change. Our policy toward South Africa is based upon the premise that within a reasonable time we shall see a clear evolution toward equality of opportunity and basic human rights for all South Africans. The United States will exercise all its efforts in that direction. We urge the Government of South Africa to make that premise a reality.
In the immediate future, the Republic of South Africa can show its dedication to Africa--and its potential contribution to Africa--by using its influence in Salisbury to promote a
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