NOTES AND DOCUMENTS* October 1974

NOTES AND DOCUMENTS* October 1974 MISSPN DELEGATION- OF THE SPEC IAL ITTEE Librarya Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of , HoE. -r.ToshioKimurW qiM heoninhonour 1 of e Chairman of the Special Committee, 9 September 1974 Address the Chairman ATIN' Committee, H.E. bY ig a) to represent tives of the United Nations Association o a Society of Japan and Committee on Co-operation with of Keidanren (Federation of Economic Organizations), 10 September 1974 Statement issued by the Delegation of the Special Committee, 11 September 1974 Remarks by the Chairman of the Special Committee at a Press Conference at the Japan Press Club, 9 11 September 1974 Report by the Chairman of the Special Committee on the Results of the Mission, at a meeting of the Special Committee, 11 19 September 1974 L'ote: A delegation of the Special Committee on Apartheid, consisting of its Chairman, H.E. Mr. Edwin Ogebe Ogbu (), and Its Rapporteur, Mr. Nicasio Valderrama (Philippines), visited Japan from 8 to 11 September 1974, for consultations with the Government of Japan and organizations in Japan on concerted international action against apartheid. During this visit, the delegation held consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Acting Minister of Internationa Trade and Industry of Japan. It also met with representatives of the United Nations Association of Japan, Africa Society of Japan, Committee on Co- operation with Africa of Keidanren (Federation of Economic Organizations), Japan Anti-Apartheid Movement and other organizations. This issue of "Notes and Documents" contains texts of statements by the Foreig: Minister of Japan and by the delegation of the Special Committee during the mission, as well as the text of a report on the mission by the Chairman of the Special Committee] *All material in these notes and documents may be freely reprinted. Acknowledgement, together with a copy of the publication containing the reprint, would be appreciated. 47-26537 No.- 30,/74

STATEMENT BY THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF JAPAN, H.E. MR. TOSHIO KIMURA, AT A LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, 9 September 1974 It is a great honour and pleasure for me to hold a welcome luncheon today for the mission from the United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid, headed by His Excellency Mr. Edwin Ogebe Ogbu. Before assuming my present post as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I was Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives and had the good fortune to welcome leaders of African countries on many occasions. Through talks with them, and in the light of the new situation that the Government of Portugal has changed its colonial policy, I have come to be deeply concerned with the southern African problems. I am very pleased that I have had an opportunity tg have a personal talk with the members of the mission, who have come all the way to Japan in spite of the busy season before the 29th session of the General Assembly, and have been able to increase my understanding of the problems of southern Africa, especially the policy of apartheid of the Republic of South Africa. The Special Committee on Apartheid is an important committee of the United Nations established to consider measures for the elimination of the policy of apartheid of the Republic of South Africa. Japan highly appreciates the important role being performed by the Committee for the lofty purpose of the elimination of racism and earnestly hopes that the Committee will continue fruitful activities for the realization of its purpose. Japan views with deep regret and indignation the fact that many African people are still being victimized by racial discrimination and colonialism in the African Continent. Japan has consistently opposed this inhuman policy, which ignores social justice and human rights, on every possible occasion. This policy of Japan will continue unswervingly in the future. On the other hand, I strongly hope that these problems will be solved in peace through effective measures. In this regard, I pay my deep respects to the Special Committee on Apartheid for sending missions to countries concerned, like the one under Chairman Ogbu now visiting us, to continue a quiet and patient dialogue with such peoples and governments on the method to eliminate the policy of apartheid of the Republic of South Africa. Co-operation with the United Nations is the basic policy of Japan's diplomacy. In pursuance of this policy, Japan has taken steps to stop sport and cultural exchanges with the Republic of South Africa and has recognized the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. These are evidences of Japan's position to spare no efforts whatever for the peaceful solution of the important problems of racism and colonialism. Japan intends to continue to co-operate as far as possible with the Special Committee on Apartheid in its activities. -2- ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL CONM4ITTEE, H.E. 1,R. EDWIN OGEBE OGBU (NIGERIA), TO REPRESEDITATIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN, AFRICA SOCIETY OF JAPAN AND COMMITTEE ON CO-OPERATION WITH AFRICA OF KEIDANREN (FEDERATION OF ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS), 10 September 1974 As you know, I have come here as the Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid - accompanied by Mr. Nicasio Valderrama, Rapporteur of the Special Committee and Mr. Enuga Reddy, Chief of the Section for African Questions and Unit on Apartheid in the Secretariat - to consult with the Government of Japan and organizations in Japan on means for more concerted international action against apartheid in South Africa. We, in the Special Committee, are aware of the opposition of the Government and people of Japan -to apartheid and racial discrimination - and we look forward to even greater contribution from the Government and people of Japan in the struggle against apartheid during the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Tie know that the Japanese people have long been opposed to racial discrimination. We may recall that they have themselves faced discrimination and humiliation in some parts of the world when Japan came out of its isolation in the last century. More than fifty years ago, Japan took the lead in pressing for the inclusion of the principle of racial equality in the Covenant of the League of Nations. Its efforts were not successful at thatitime, but this principle found an important place in the Charter of the United Nations in 1945. You have, therefore, been one of the pioneers in the movement for international action against racism. We count on your contribution We have come here to express our appreciation to the Japanese Government and people for their co-operation with the Special Committee and for their contribution to the international action against apartheid. We have also come here to consult on further action and to appeal for greater contribution. lie are confident that our appeals will not go unheeded. May I say also that we feel that the Japanese Government and people can make a very significant contribution to the United Nations efforts against racism. You belong to the Asian-African region which has been the victim of colonialism and racial discrimination in recent centuries. A century ago you set out to achieve, in a short period of time, what the western countries have achieved in centuries. Your people have performed miracles of progress, surpassing even many western countries, while building on their own historic traditions.

-3- Your experience and your achievements are an example and an inspiration to many peoples who have languished under colonial and racist oppression. I have faith that when the energies of the Black people of South Africa are released - when they shed their shackles and undertake to build their nation they too can perform miracles. Economic or social development does not need the tutelage of a white man holding the whiplash. Japan is a country which recognizes its international responsibilities and is committed to contribute to international co-operation, to peace, and to the strengthening of the United Nations. It is a nation which is very directly concerned with international trade. It recognizes that its own security and prosperity are dependent on peace in every corner of the world. I feel, therefore, that we can count on the Government and people of Japan in our efforts to promote concerted international action to eradicate racism in southern Africa and that we can discuss freely and frankly our concerns in this respect. We have had fruitful discussions yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and we will meet tomorrow with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of International Trade and Industry. We welcome this opportunity to meet here with people who have long been specially interested in Africa and in the United Nations, including leaders of industry and trade. We know that some of you have dedicated yourselves to the study of Africa and to the promotion of greater understanding between the people of Japan and the people of Africa. Some of you have perhaps become interested in Africa mainly through. trade or your support for the United Nations. But whatever the nature of your interest in Africa, you are no doubt aware that the problem of apartheid in South Africa - the oppression and humiliation of millions of people of that country, merely because of the colour of their skin - is one of the primary concerns of Africa, a concern that is shared by governments and peoples of the world. -o one can be neutral No one can be neutral on this problem. Africa has declared that the cause of the oppressed people of South Africa is the cause of Africa. No one can be a friend of the racists in South Africa and claim to be a friend of Africa. The United Nations has declared that the abolition of apartheid is of vital interest to the whole Organization. Speaking here in Japan, I would venture to say that no one can be neutral on this problem and be faithful to the great traditions of this country. Liberation is irresistible When the United Nations was established in 1945, many of the member States of the Special Committee on Apartheid were yet to achieve independence. My own country became independent many years later.

-4- But the process of liberation, of decolonization, marches ahead. Today, we celebrate the confirmation of the victory of the people of Guinea-Bissau, after a long period of heroic struggle. Their struggle - together with the strugglesof the peoples of Mozambique and Angola - has been of great historic significance: it helped even to liberate the people of Portugal. I am sure that you will join with me in greeting the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau, and paying tribute to the memory of the late Amilcar Cabral and other martyrs in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the people of Mozembique and Angola will soon join the community of nations and make their rightful contribution to international co- operation and progress. I am confident that the liberation of South Africa, Namibia and Southern Rhodesia is near: the process of liberation is irresistible, whatever the difficulties on the way. I am well aware that, regrettably, the South African regime, which plays the key role in this ared as the bulwark of neo-colonialism and racism, has refused to learn the lesson of Portugal and is attempting to resist the world and history. Instead of seeking a peaceful solution in accordance with the principles of justice, it is building up its military arsenal and sending its troops to the borders. It cannot succeed by this means to prevent liberation. It can only cause a dangerous conflict in which the white minority itself will suffer. In pressing for international action to solve the problem in South Africa, and in southern Africa, we are, in fact, acting in the interests of all the people of South Africa - not only the Black people who constitute the overwhelming majority in that country, but also those white people who are prepared to live in the country as equals. The issue in South Africa In South Africa we are confronted with the constant violation of the human rights of millions of people by a small minority. We are also confronted by the danger of a conflict, with incalculable consequences for peace in the area and beyond. But I would like to stress that we are, above all, confronted with a much wider issue, the prospect of genuine co-operation between large segments of humanity. The future of humanity is bleak, indeed, unless we can overcome the sad heritage of racialism under which the majority of the peoples of the world have suffered, with the African peoples as the worst sufferers in recent centuries. If we believe in peace, in international co-operation and in the future of h umanity, we must make our contribution to the struggle to eradicate apartheid and all forms of racial discrimination from this earth. We should be prepared to make sacrifices, if necessary, to achieve this goal. Some of the sacrifices may only be symbolic or temporary for the duration of aPartheid: alternatives may, in fact, prove more profitable in some cases. The United Nations General Assembly has appealed to all States to boycott South Africa so long as that r4gime continues to practise apartheid and oppress the Black

-5- people of that country. We feel that economic pressure is the most effective peaceful measure to solve this problem. Many countries, including a number of developing countries, have made sacrifices by boycotting South Africa on the basis of principle. But the main trading partners of South Africa have not heeded our appeals, so that the South African regime has been able to continue to defy the United Nations and world opinion. The Special Committee has, therefore, sent missions to these countriek to discuss the situation with them and persuade them to join in concerted international action. We know that Japan has taken several measures, at some cost, because of its opposition to apartheid. It has, for instance, imposed an arms embargo, and prohibited investment in South Africa. We would like to appeal to Japan to do even more in implementation of United Nations resolutions, and demonstrate its solidarity with the people of South Africa and, indeed, all of Africa. We would like to appeal to Japan to set an example to all the main trading partners of South Africa by refusing to associate in any way with racism in South Africa, whatever the cost, .and thereby contribute to a peaceful solution of the problem. Apartheid is not politics Permit me, Mr. Chairman, to refer to two arguments which are sometimes raised here in connexion with apartheid in South Africa. One argument is that trade should be separated from politics and that, therefore, trade with South Africa should continue even if apartheid is enforced by the r4gime in South Africa in defiance of the world, and even if the Black people of South Africa and the United Nations call for economic sanctions against South Africa. I ask you, can anyone in his right mind describe apartheid today as "politics"? Denying equality to the great majority of the people - excluding them from the right to vote, subjecting them to miserable conditions of employment, education and health, and humiliating them in their own country - is not "politics". Apartheid is not "politics" but a crime which must be suppressed and punished. There can be no free intercourse with the practitioners of apartheid, which has been condemned by the United Nations as a crime against humanity. We seek peace Secondly, there is the argument that because we should seek peaceful settlements and because violence is dangerous, it is not wise to recognize the legitimacy of the freedom struggle of the people and their right to conduct their struggle by all means available to them. Let me assure you that the African people want peace, that the South African people want peace and that the members of the Special Committee want peace. The South African people have struggled for decades - at great sacrifice - by peaceful means. In fact, it was in South Africa that the Asian people, under the leadership of Gandhi, first practised non-violent struggle. It was the passive resistance campaign by the Africans and their allies in 1952 that led to the discussion of the situation in the United Nations.

-6- They have tried every non-violent means to secure their rights - but the r6gime reacted by closing all peaceful means by repressive legislation and by violence. The African organizations and leaders are banned. Africans are effectively prevented from demonstrations. They are prohibited from strikes. Anyone encouraging nonviolent resistance is subject to five years in prison, and to whipping. Even churchmen providing humanitarian assistance to families of political prisoners have been persecuted. It was after decades of petitions and peaceful protests, and after the. Sharpeville massacre, that the African leaders decided that it was not possible for them to limit themselves entirely to non-violent means when the rdgime confronts every peaceful protest by violent suppression. Who can blame them if they are driven by the ruthlessness of the oppressors, and the ineffectiveness of international action, reluctantly to come to this decision? But let me say that they have not resorted to terrorism and indiscriminate violence. If the Africans do resort to such means, there would be an ugly racial conflict endangering every white in South Africa. It is the Africans who have, in spite of intolerable provocations, averted such a conflict until now. If we really believe in peace, it is our duty to help them in their struggle by using all our influence to compel the South African r6gime to release the prisoners to declare an amnesty, to allow the rights of free speech and assembly, and to seek a solution by consultations among the genuine representatives of all the people of South Africa. Let the truth be known The Japanese people, in the course of their history, have helped and given asylum to many leaders of liberation movements. It ig entirely in accord with their best traditions that they should support the liberation movements in Africa. I am sure that the Japanese people will join with us, and will make the necessary sacrifices, if they know the facts about the situation in South Africa. I would, therefore, conclude by appealing to all of you - and through you to the press, to the educators and to all organizations - to join us in making the truth known. You will thereby contribute greatly to cementing the bonds of friendship of the people of Japan with the people of South Africa, of Africa and the world.

STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE, 11 September 1974 The delegation of the United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid has now concluded its mission to Japan. This mission was undertaken, with the authorization of the United Nations General Assembly, to consult with the Government of Japan and organizations in Japan on concerted international action against apartheid which has become more imperative today than ever. During this visit to Tokyo, which was regrettably brief, we have had an opportunity to hold friendly and fruitful discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Toshio Kimura, and with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of International Trade and Industry, H.E. Mr. Motoharu Matsushita. We have also had an opportunity to meet with representatives of the United Nations Association of Japan, the Africa Society of Japan, the Committee on Co- operation with Africa of Keidanren, the Japan Anti-Apartheid Committee, and many other organizations and individuals concerned with the problem of apartheid in South Africa. We would like, first of all, to express our great appreciation to the Japanese Government for the arrangements it has made for the visit of the delegation. We would like to express our appreciation to various organizations and individuals for their assistance and co-operation. We are convinced that we can look forward to the continuation and development of co-operation by Japan with the Special Committee and also of the contribution of Japan to the struggle for the eradication of apartheid in South Africa The United Nations has called for a boycott of South Africa in the political, military, economic, cultural and other fields so long as the South African regime continues to practise the inhuman policy of apartheid and to oppress the great majority of the people of that country. Such a boycott is the most effective and, indeed, the only peaceful action by which the international community can secure the eradication of apartheid and avert the danger of a grave conflict in southern Africa. The efforts of the United Nations, however, have not been effective, mainly because of the unwillingness of the main trading partners of South Africa to terminate their economic relations with South Africa. That is why the Special Committee on Apartheid has sent missions to the trading partners of South Africa for free and frank discussions with them on concerted international action. We appreciate that Japan has already taken a number of measures because of its opposition to apartheid. It has, for instance, implemented an arms embargo against South Africa and prohibited direct investment in South Africa. It has refrained from establishing diplomatic relations with South Africa or granting preferences for

-8 trade with South Africa. It has also contributed to United Nations funds for assistance to the victims of apartheid. But the trade between Japan and South Africa has continued to increase. We have had the opportunity, during this visit, to express our appreciation for the measures taken by Japan and to consult on further act.on. We have been assured that the matters raised by us would be given serious consideration. We are convinced that we can count on increasing co-operation by the Government and people of Japan, especially if there is greater dissemination of information on the situation in South Africa regarding the legitimate struggle of the people of South Africa for freedom, and the concern of the United Nations. We recall, with appreciation, the long-standing opposition of Japan to racial discrimination. We would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to appeal to the information media for their co-operation in informing the people of this country about the evils of apartheid....

-9- REBARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE JAPAN PRESS CLUB, 11 September 1974 I would like to make an earnest appeal to the Government and people of Japan to join with us in action at this crucial time - especially after the welcome changes in Portugal - to put an end to the evil of apartheid under which millions of African people have been suffering because of the colour of their skin. We know that trade with South Africa is a small percentage of the trade of Japan. It is only about 1.7 per cent. But trade with Japan is very important for South Africa. It constitutes over 10 per cent of South Africa's foreign trade. Japan has become a big market for the primary products of South Africa, such as sugar, wool, maize, iron ore, coal and chrome. We appreciate that Japan has not invested in South Africa to exploit the Black people who are forced by the regime to work under miserable conditions without any trade union rights. But we would like to point out to you that the commodities imported by Japan are also produced by such labour. We know that cutting off trade with South Africa will involve some sacrifice. But many developing countries have made the sacrifice because of their opposition to apartheid. We would appeal to Japan, as a member of the Afro-Asian family, at least to reduce the trade with South Africa, as a first step. Not picking on Japan Some people have asked me why we are picking on Japan - a country which is particularly dependent on trade - when other countries, especially several western countries, are trading with South Africa. Let me assure you that we are not picking on Japan. We are sending missions to other countries which are the main trading partners of South Africa. Ie have deplored their attitudes as reinforcing the oppression of the Black people of South Africa. We also recognize that Japan has taken some significant steps because of its opposition to apartheid and we certainly appreciate those steps. Perhaps we expect more from Japan because it is a member of the Afro-Asian family which has itself suffered racial discrimination. I might also point out that the rate of growth of Japan's trade with South Africa has been higher than the rate of growth of the trade of other countries with South Africa. Japan's trade with South Africa increased by 365 per cent betveen 1962 and 1972, according to South African figures.

We respect the Japanese people The South African r~gime has been trying to create differences 'among us and create confusion. It has accorded some special privileges for Japanese businessmen when it suited its purposes and South Africans have been talking about treating Japanese as "honorary whites". This is an utterly mischievous and vicious move on their part. I hope that no one in Japan will be taken by this. I understand that Japan has never asked for this so-called, status. I have great reppect for the Japanese people and the Japanese nations, and I am sure that they do not wish in the least to be "honorary whites" or honorary racists. We respect you because you are Japanese. I would like you to understand that I have spoken to you frankly, and perhaps bluntly, and from my heart, because you are our friends and because you are with us against apartheid and racial discrimination.

- 11 - REPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMITTEE ON THE RESULTS OF THE MISSION, AT A MEETING OF THE SPECIAL COMITTEE ON 19 September 1974 Now I come to the most recent missions, namely, the missions to Japan and New Zealand. On the mission to Japan, I was accompanied by the distinguished Rappoteur, Mr. Valderrama. He was of great assistance to me on this mission and I would like to record my appreciation to him. We had a very heavy programme during this brief, but very important, mission. We were received by the Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Toshio Kimura, with whom we held most fruitful consultations, and were also entertained by him at a lunch. We were also received by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Mr. Motoharu Matsushita, in the absence of the Minister, and had a brief, but very useful, discussion. I addressed a meeting of the representatives of the UN Association of Japan, the Africa Society of Japan and the Committee on Co-operation with Africa of Keidanren (Federation of Econo.ic Organizations); we met informally with their representatives at a reception given by them. We had a very useful meeting with the leaders of the small but active antiapartheid movement of Japan and with representatives of other organizations associated with it. I was interviewed on a TV programme of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) - early in the morning of 11 September. I understand that this programme has an audience of many millions. We appeared at a press conference organized by the Japan Press Club shortly before our departure. I also gave a number of separate interviews to Japanese newspapers and magazines. During this mission, we were aware, and we emphasized, that the position of Japan, the fourth main trading partner of South Africa, is somewhat different from the position of the other main trading partners. Japan has already taken some significant steps in opposition to apartheid. It has strictly implemented the arms embargo against South Africa and has prohibited direct investment in South Africa. It has also regularly contributed to the United Nations funds for southern Africa. At the same time, Japan's trade with South Africa has been increasing substantially, at a faster rate than the trade of the other main trading partners of South Africa. We emphasiz ed that the trade is of great significance to South Africa as it constitutes about 11 per cent of the foreign trade of that country. On the other hand, South Africa accounts for only 1.7 per cent of the foreign trade of Japan, so that Japan can boycott South Africa with little harm to its own economy. We suggested, in particular, that Japan should seek alternative sources for the primary commodities it imports from South Africa, such as sugar, maize, wool, iron ore and coal.

- 12- We also drew attention to reports concerning indirect investment by Japanese organizations in South Africa, particularly loans given to the South African rgime and South African corporations by a Japanese bank registered in London. We also drew attention to the decision of the General Assembly, in resolution 3151 C (X;VIII), requesting and authorizing the Secretary-General to invite voluntary contributions for the expansion of the activities of the Unit on Apartheid. We requested Japan to consider a voluntary contribution for this purpose. We also expressed the hope that Japan could be associated even more closely with the work of the Special Committee on Apartheid. The Foreign*Minister assured us that opposition to apartheid and racial discrimination was the basic policy of Japan and expressed high appreciation for the very significant work which is being done by the Special Committee on Apartheid. As regards the loans to South Africa by a Japanese-owned bank in London, we were assured that the banks would in future refrain from such loans. An announcement to this effect appeared in the press soon after our departure from' Tokyo. As regards trade, the Foreign Minister said that Japan had not taken any steps to promote trade with South Africa. He assured us that views expressed by the delegation would be considered positively in consultation with other ministries concerned, especially the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. We were subsequently assured by the Acting Minister of International Trade and Industry that his Ministry would fully co-operate with the Foreign Ministry in this matter. The Foreign Minister told us that his Government would certainly consider a voluntary contribution for the Unit on Apartheid, when a specific request was received from the Secretary-General. He also assured us that his Govennment would consider closer association with the Special Committee when the Committee makes proposals on this matter. We were also assured by the leaders of the Africa Committee of the joweFederation of Economic Organizations that they would give sympathetic consideration to the points raised by us. They stated, however, that Japan was dependent on foreign trade and that it would be difficult for Japan to take drastic steps except in concert with other trading nations. I would like to express the sattsfaction of the delegation at the very friendly and useful discussions in Japan, not only with the Government, but also with the employers, the anti-apartheid movement and other organizations. This visit also provided us with an opportunity to acquaint the public in Japan with the situation in South Africa and the concerns of the Special Committee. It was emphasized to us by many people, in the Government and outside, that a greater dissemination of information in Japan is essential. I would like to express the gratitude of the delegation to the Government of Japan for the excellent arrangements which they had made for the mission of the Special Committee which contributed greatly to the success of this very brief mission.