4Ii^ END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN P.O

4ii^ END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

25 August 1992

John Kani Fax No: 492-1235

Dear Mr Kani

URGENT APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR CALL FOR WITHDRAWAL OF CHARGES AGAINST MERRICK DOUGLAS.

Merrick Douglas is due to appear in the Randfontein Magistrates Court on September 2 on charges of having refused to do an army c a m p .

Merrick Douglas is just one of hundreds (if not thousands) of men in this country who have decided that they are not prepared to serve in the SADF. In the current period an increasing number of these individuals are people who, like Merrick Douglas, have done an initial period of service in the SADF, but who feel that what they have already done is sufficient. The government knows that they will not be able to prosecute all of these people so they have chosen to single out Merrick Douglas to make an example of him.

If he is convicted he will be the first person to have been convicted under this provision since November 1990. The law under which he is being charged provides that he could be imprisoned if he is found guilty.

We are intending to send the attached letter as an open letter to the State President at the end of this week and are in the process of approaching a cross section of people from the community to request that they add their signatures to it.

I would like to ask you to give your support to the call for the withdrawal of charges against Merrick Douglas by signing the attached letter.

Yours sincerely

David Bruce ECC national worker. ^ M xcUpf ^c.^.fpcA bc-CC-,

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(f R)<2 fd/(I* s Sister Margaret Kelly 14 September 1992 SACBC, Pretoria Fax 012 326-6218

From: Nan Cross

Luis Mitras

Herewith a rough draft for the letter to the Minister of Justice (with copies to the Minister of Defence, Minister of Manpower, and Luis’lawyer Mandy Taylor at PO Box 8694, Jhb, 2000.

1. Introduction - charge and date of court appearance 2. Details of Luis’ work with psychiatric patients, and testimony to his Christian commitment 3. Why he stopped his service as allocated 4. Unjust to convict anyone for Defence Act charges under the present racially discriminatory system 5. Request for the charges to be dropped.

D r a f t :

The Minister of Justice Pretori a

Dear Mr Coetzee re: Luis Mitras, Conscientious Objector.

1. Mr Mitras, who was classified as a Religious Objector in 1991, has been charged with failing to complete the community service which was allocated to him by the Department of Manpower. He is due to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on O ctober 19 1992.

2. Mr Mitras is a Christian pacifist, with a strong sense of service to the whole community of South Africa. Since his skills and training are in the field of Psychology, he has worked since 1988 as a counsellor and crisis interventionist for organisations involved in rehabilitation work with the drop-outs of society such as drug and alcohol abusers. In 1988 he held the post of Crisis Interventionist at the Threshold Foundation, a non-racial State-funded psychiatric centre. In 1989 he was the Crisis Interventionist and supervisor of the occupational centre, Walberton Manor, a State-funded psychiatric half-way house and rehabilitation centre. In 1990 he was the supervisor for two rehabilitation units and Crisis Interventionist again for the Threshold Foundation. And in 1991, after leaving his Community Service placement with the Department of Health (where his job was filing clerk), he returned to the Threshold Foundation as supervisor of the residential programme for six months. He is currently studying for two post graduate degrees while also teaching part time for the David Ferreira College.

3. His reasons for failing to complete the community service allocated to him was his frustration with the system. He had been in constant contact with the Department of Manpower, and finally informed both the Department and the Board for Religious Objection of his decision to leave.

4. Under the present racially-based system of whites-only conscription, it would appear unjust to convict anyone for contraventions of this system.

5. In the case of Luis Mitras, with his history of sincere Christian pacifism, the fact that he has already shown his commitment to true service to the community, and the total waste of his skills that would result from a sentence to detention as envisaged by the Defence Amendment Act, I would earnestly request that the charges against him be withdrawn. A / i c M o l l s , u C f a a

firr. / y r)fl^Q'/

fY^flA//)y: / A> 64 6_ ocrpc^ &Lu.

J.W. DOWNIE 205 CATHCART HOUSE . 0 VANDERBIJLPARK 1911

SIR

I was originally called up for a two month camp commencing 12/09/92. I informed Vaal Commando (through their admin, office), that I would not be collecting the call up instruction at the Post Office, (thus making it quite clear my refusal to serve in the S.A.D.F.). On Monday 14 September I spoke with a Major van Wyk at Vaal Commando. After explaining my reasons for refusing to serve in the S.A.D.F., he produced another call up instruction (92/09/28-92/11/27) and proceeded to record on paper what he was d o i n g . He informed me that there were three options open to me:

1. I must report for the camp commencing 28/09/92

2. I must contact the Board for Conscientious Objection in Bloemfontein and register as a Conscientious Objector.

3. If I refuse to serve in the S.A.D.F., I will be charged and subjected to civil prosecution.

After much deliberation and soul searching, I have decided that my only recourse is to continue with my original decision of refusing to serve in the S.A.D.F. My reasons for this decision are as follows:

1. Due to the fact that the Population Registration Act has b e e n repealed, race classification no longer exists in South Africa, therefore a whites only call up is in fact invalid.

2. The system of call ups (especially two months every year) is disruptive to the economy and peoples lives.

3. The present Commando system places an unfair burden on people who have already performed a substantial period of military service. P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

Sopt.omfeer 1992

The President Pan Africanist Congress of Azania Old Arcade Building Commisioner st, Johannesburg Fax No: 838-3705

Dear Mr Makwethu

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND 'DRAFT D O D G E R S " ■

On 23 September 1992, the Pretoria Supreme Court dismissed an application by the ECC to declare the whites-only military call- up legally invalid. Nonetheless, the ECC is appealing against this decision, and we are hopeful that the Appellate Division will confirm our belief that a whites-only call-up is invalid.

In the meantime, the chief of staff of the SADF, General Pierre Steyn, has indicated that the present call-up system is being phased out. The SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, with units being disbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned away from the SADF every year.

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whites-only call up and to prosecute those who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

We believe that, irrespective of one’s political viewpoint, the prosecution of individuals on call-up related offences is unacceptable in this period of transition. Since, by the SADF’s own admission, the call-up system is being phased out, we believe that prosecutions of this kind should be stopped immediately. It is immoral and cynical to prosecute people under a law which is due to be repealed within the next few months.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the ECC in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully Q - S i

Chris de Vi 11iers (t For: The End Conscription Campaign e o P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax; 834_3189

7 October 1992 Letter to leaders of political oartips

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT

On 23 September 1992, the Pretoria Supreme Court dismissed an un UaaVi°n y t1he.ECC to dedar e the whites-only military call- up legal ly inval id. Nonetheless, the ECC is appealing against this decision, and we are hopeful that the Appellate Division will confirm our belief that a whites-only call-up is invalid

In the meantime, the chief of staff of the SADF, General Pierre Steyn has indicated that the present call-up system is beinq phased out The SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, Thi sbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned away from the SADF every year.

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whites only call up and to prosecute those who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- r~e1ated Prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate i if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the ECC in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully

Chris de Vi 11iers For: The End Conscription Campaign

c c A

Letter to leaders of political parties sent to: 7/10/92

ANC

Afrikaner Volksunie

AWB - 1

Conservative Party

Democratic Party

IFP

Labour Party

PAC

SACP

Soli dari ty Party P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

Note that section 121(c) of the Defence Act, 44 of 1957. provides t h a t :

Any person who ..... uses any language or does any act or thing with intent to recommend to, encourage, aid, incite, instigate, suggest to or otherwise cause any other person or any category of persons or persons in general to refuse or fail to render any service to which such other person or a category of such persons or persons in general is or are liable or may become liable in terms of this Act,

shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand rand or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Car'tcr'ipl'i** Statement of support for ECC call on conscripts not to comply with their call-up instructions.

Taking note of the fact that the present system of military service in South Africa is racially discriminatory and believing that it serves to perpetuate inequality, distrust and division between people of different races in this country, I call on people who are called-up for military service not to comply with their call-up instructions.

I wish to encourage conscripts who may be considering not responding to their call-ups to inform themselves of the potential consequences of whatever course of action they might take so that they will be acting as informed individuals.

rr Date P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 October 1992

The Chai rman Democratic Party P.O.Box 8825 Johannesburg 2000

Fax No 834-2879

Dear Dr de Beer,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS"

On 23 September 1992, the Pretoria Supreme Court dismissed an application by the End Conscription Campaign to declare the whites-only military call-up legally invalid. Nonetheless, the ECC is appealing against this decision, and we are hopeful that the Appellate Division will confirm our belief that a whites- only call-up is invalid.

In the meantime, the Chief of Staff of the SADF, General Pierre Steyn, has indicated that the present call-up system is being phased out. The SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, with units being disbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned away from the SADF every year.

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whites-only call-up and to prosecute those who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully

f j ? Chris de Vi 1 Tiers Chair, Johannesburg ECC P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 7 October 1992

The Secretary General African National Congress 51 Plein Street Johannesburg

Fax No 29 ,00-9-7-37^7

Dear Mr Ramaphosa,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS"

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whi tes-only call-up and to prosecute a few of those who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours fai thful 1 y

Chris de Vi 11 iers Ft Chair, Johannesburg ECC

C a m p a i g n P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax:834-3189 7 October 1992

The Secretary General African National Congress 51 Plein Street Johannesburg

Fax No 29 3-7 f 7

Dear Mr Ramaphosa,

ONGOING__ PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS"“

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whites-only call-up and to prosecute a few of those who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully 0 iuiw (p. iWfc') j Chris de Vi 11iers / Chair, Johannesburg ECC p c £nd Cor>tcr'ijpl’t*r\ C& m pB'Jrt P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 September 1992

Revd H. J. Hendrickse Labour Party Private Bag X9068 8000 Cape Town Fax No: 021-45-3706

Dear Mr Hendrickse,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND 'DRAFT D O D G E R S ".

Yours faithfully

( j J t C U i M ()*o:J C _ 0 < ~ £ Chris de Vi 11iers 1 For: The End Conscription Campaign

c c C a ry tc r'ijp i’L f n P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 C5 c_ /r-o^ { ~ 7 September 1992

Revd H. J. H e n d r i c k s e Labour Party Private Bag X9068 8000 Cape Town Fax No: 021-45-3706

Dear Mr Hendrickse,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

Yours faithfully

Chris de Vi 11iers \! For: The End Conscription Campaign P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 C? 7 Se p t e m b er* 1992

Dr A. Treurnicht Conservative Party P.O. Box 1642 0001 Pretoria Fax: 012-21-6910

Dear Dr Treurnicht,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

Yours faithfully

f ff Chris de Villiers For: The End Conscription Campaign P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

SpfH-pmhPir. 1 992 Dr J . N. Reddy Solidarity Party Private Bag X54330 4000 Durban

Dear Dr Reddy,

ONGOING __PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND 'DRAFT D O D G E R S " . ----

Yours faithfully

Chris de Villiers tt For: The End Conscription Campaign P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 7 October 1992

The President Inkatha Freedom Party Private Bag X01 Ulundi 3838

Fax No 0358-202070

Dear Dr Buthelezi,

DODGERS" PR0SECUTI0N__ °F CONSCIENTIOUS OBJ EC TOR S A ND "DRAFT

We believe that, irrespective of one’s political viewpoint, the prosecution of individuals on call—up related offences is unacceptable in this period of transition. Since, by the SADF’s own admission, the call-up system is being phased out, we believe that prosecutions of this kind should be stopped immediately. It is immoral and cynical to prosecute people under a law which is due to be repealed within the next few months.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully \HlUbi ( P & t o 6 Chris de Villiers ft Chair, Johannesburg ECC P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 7 October 1992

The President Inkatha Freedom Party Private Bag X01 Ulundi 3838

Fax No 0358-202070

Dear Dr Buthelezi,

ONGOING PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS _OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS

On 23 September 1992, the Pretoria Supreme Court dismissed an application by the End Conscription Campaign to declare the whites-only mi 1itary cal1-up legally invalid. Nonetheless, the ECC is appealing against this decision, and we are hopeful that the Appellate Division will confirm our belief that a whites- only call-up is invalid.

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully ■(} keoct) Chris de Villiers Chair, Johannesburg ECC e c £ n d l*r\ ■ npaijrl P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 7 October 1992

The General Secretary South African Communist Party P.O. Box 1027 Johannesburg 2000

Fax No 836-8366

Dear Mr Hani,

ONGOING__PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS" " '------

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours^ faithfully I I W I ' y

Q o a m (p- % r-E Chris de Vi 11iers If Chair, Johannesburg ECC GO P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax:834-3189 7 October 1992

The General Secretary South African Communist Party P.O. Box 1027 Johannesburg 2000

Fax No 836-8366

Dear Mr Hani,

DODGERS" PRQSECUTIQN___0F CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT

We ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call- up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number. We believe that even organisations which have not supported the End Conscription Campaign in the past will agree that it is time to stop the prosecutions, and we hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue.

Yours faithfully

m i l l t i ' ( p j e o c f ) N Chris de Vi 11iers Chair, Johannesburg ECC Posbus 274 AWB Verwysing VENTERSDORP. 2710

Tel: 01480 - 2003/7 Fax: 01480 - 2032

Chris de Villiers End Conscription Campaign P.O. Box 537 KENGRAY. 2100

Dear Mr. De Villiers

Thank you very much for your letter.

We support your struggle whole haertly for the disbolishment of any future prosecution of any individual who fails or refuse to serve in the South African Defence Force.

The government must come to terms with reality and realise that you cannot force people from different nasionalityrace and culture into one defence force protecting only certain groups.

We wish you all the best in your struggle against prosecution of conscientious objectors and "draft dodgers".

DASIIE^'SMALL : SECRETARY

November 17, 1992 P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

Dr Andries Treurnicht The Conservative Party P.O. Box 1642 Pretoria 0001 Fax No: 012 21-6910

Dear Dr Treurnicht

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

This letter is a follow up to our letter of the 8th October in which we asked you to endorse our call on the government to halt call-up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind.

This matter has assumed an additional urgency now that another individual, John Downie, has been charged for refusing to do an army camp. We would therefore like to repeat our request to you to endorse the above call.

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

1. The Minister of Defence has said that next year’s call-up will probably be the last. At the same time the SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, with units being disbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned away from the SADF every year. Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel.

2. The conscription laws are being broken en masse by conscripts. The SADF clearly has no intention of prosecuting even a significant proportion of those who are in breach of the call- up laws. However they are continuing to victimise a very small number of individuals merely for the sake of maintaining the appearance that the conscription laws are being properly e n f o r c e d .

4. The SADF’s approach to prosecutions appears to be that they will pick on those who are least able to defend themselves. Individuals who are in breach of the conscription laws and who, for instance, have the backing of national political organisations, have very little chance of being acted against. Those who have been charged are isolated individuals whom, the SADF feels, it can victimise at little political cost.

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a

P.C People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti—social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Ken gray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

Revd H. J. Hendr i c k s e The Labour Party Private Bag X9068 Cape Town 8000 Fax No: 021 45-3706

Dear Mr Hendrickse

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT nonrsFR.Q"

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a

£ n d CvntCsriptifrx Co^npaij People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti-social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

Dr J. N. Reddy Solidarity Party Private Bag X54330 Durban 4000 Fax No: 031 368-1129

Dear Dr Reddy

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti-social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

The President Inkatha Freedom Party Private Bag X01 Ulundi 3838 Fax No: 0358 20-2070

Dear Dr Buthelezi

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS_AND "DRAFT DODGERS

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti—social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

The Secretary General African National Congress 51 Plein Street Johannesburg 2000 Fax No: 29-3719

Dear Mr Ramaphosa

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti—social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189

7 December 1992

The General Secretary South African Communist Party P.O. Box 1027 Johannesburg 20008 Fax No: 836-8366

Dear Mr Hani

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following:

5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti—social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully p ( , Now c g c )P l

8 December 1992

The Director, Lawyers for Human Rights 713 van Erkom Building 217 Pretorius Street Pretoria 0002 Fax 012 325-6318

Dear Mr Currin,

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS".

On 23 September 1992, the Pretoria Supreme Court dismissed an application by the ECC to declare the whites-only military call- up legally invalid. More recently, our petition to the Chief Justice for leave to appeal was refused. Nonetheless, the ECC still believes that at this stage of our history a whites-only call-up is morally unjustifiable.

In the meantime, the chief of staff of the SADF, General Pierre Steyn, has indicated that the present call-up system is being phased out, and the Minister of Defence has stated that 1993 will be the last year of the present system of conscription. The SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, with units being disbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. And, while a new system of short service contract for volunteers with the Permanent Force has just been announced, in the past, thousands of volunteers have been turned away from the SADF every year.

Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel - it has a surplus. Yet, against all reason, the SADF continues to enforce the whites-only call up and to prosecute some who fail or refuse to serve, on a selective basis.

The conscription laws are being broken en massse by conscripts. The SADF clearly has no intention of prosecuting even a significant proportion of those who are in breach of the law. However, they continue to victimise a very small number of individuals in order to maintain the appearance that the conscription laws are being properly enforced.

A case currently in process is that of John Downie of the Vaal Commando who has been charged with refusing to do an army camp. We believe that the prosecution of a few individuals on call-up related offences is unacceptable in this period of transition. Since, by the SADF’s own admission, the call-up system is being phased out, we believe that prosecutions of this kind should be stopped immediately. It is immoral and cynical to victimise people like John Downie who are basically law-abiding citizens of this country.

We therefore ask you to endorse our call on the government to halt call-up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind. We hope that yoy see fit to support us on this issue and would greatly appreciate it if you could send us a brief indication of your support by fax to the above number.

Yours faithfully

Chris de Villiers For: The End Conscription Campaign

ThisVletter is a follow up to our letter of the 8th October in which\we asked you to endorse our call on the government to halt call-up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further\ prosecutions of this kind.

This mattW has assumed an additional urgency now that another individual\ John Downie, has been charged for refusing to do an army camp. We would therefore like to repeat/6ur request to you to endorse tn^ above call. / In considering this request we would a^k that you take account of the following^ y'

1. The Minister of Defence has sai^that next year’s call-up will probably be the lastX At the sapfe time the SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, witn units being disbanded and major military bases being Closed^ The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff^members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned a*ay from the SADF every year. Clearly, the SADF does not have afshortage of personnel. 2. The conscription laws are being broken en masse by conscripts. The SADF clearly />as no intention of prosecuting even a significant proportion of those who are in breach of the call- up laws. However/they are continuing to victimise a very small number of individuals merely for the sake of maintaining the appearance that the conscription laws are being properly enforced. /

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j 3 ^ P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 8 December 1992 Mr Andries Beyers Afrikaner Volksunie P.O. Box 9876 0001 Pretoria Fax No: 012-322-3602 Dear Mr Beyers

PROSECUTION OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS AND "DRAFT DODGERS". This letter is a follow up to our letter of the 8th October in which we asked you to endorse our call on the government to halt call-up related prosecutions and to declare a moratorium on any further prosecutions of this kind.

In considering this request we would ask that you take account of the following: 1. The Minister of Defence has said that next y e a r ’s call-up will probably be the last. At the same time the SADF has embarked on a rationalisation program, with units being disbanded and major military bases being closed. The SADF has begun retrenching thousands of surplus staff members. At the same time, thousands of volunteers are turned away from the SADF every year. Clearly, the SADF does not have a shortage of personnel.

3. The suspension of prosecutions would not prevent citizen force and commando units from operating on a voluntary basis. If prosecutions are suspended this will not mean that people who wish to do military service will be prevented from doing so. 4. The S A D F ’s approach to prosecutions appears to be that they will pick on those who are least able to defend themselves. Individuals who are in breach of the conscription laws and who, for instance, have the backing of national political organisations, have very little chance of being acted against. Those who have been charged are isolated individuals whom, the SADF feels, it can victimise at little political cost. 5. South Africa is currently facing a crisis of widespread crime. In addition the courts are overloaded, and the jails overfull. What is more individuals, some of whom have committed acts of a serious nature, are being indemnified from prosecution.

People like John Downie are basically law-abiding citizens of this country. John Downie himself has already completed a number of years of military service. His actions can not be said to be anti-social in nature and do not involve dishonesty, or violence. To continue with criminal prosecutions against individuals such as John Downie is to ridicule the idea of justice.

We believe that it is time to stop all call-up related prosecutions and hope that you will see fit to support us on this issue. We await your early reply.

Yours faithfully

David Bruce For: The End Conscription Campaign P.O. Box 537 Phone: 836-8423 Kengray 2100 Fax: 834-3189 19 January 1993

Dear Friends

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR JOHN DOWNIE AND JOHN KELLY

This letter is being addressed to all signatories of the register of non-cooperation who have completed their initial military service and who are now liable for camps.

There are now two campers who have been charged with refusing to do military service. Both of them are members of Vaal Commando. Their cases are being heard in the Vanderbij1 park magistrates court.

John Downie is due to appear in court this Thursday, the 21st of January. His case will most likely be remanded to some time round about the middle of February which is when he is likely to go on trial.

John Kelly was charged for refusing to do a camp towards the end of last year. He will be appearing in court again on the 12th of February. His lawyers have objected to the charges against him so it is possible that the charges against him will be withdrawn. If not a trial date will probably be set for his case to be heard sometime towards the end of February or early March.

You may be aware that on the 14th of December in Cape Town 18 people who were liable for the January call-up publicly announced that they refused to do military service.

What ECC would like to suggest is that some action, similar to the one in Cape Town, be taken by a group of people who are liable for SADF camps. What is being suggested is something along the following lines:

1. ECC would hold a press conference to inform the press about the prosecution of John Downie and John Kelly. At the press conference we will also make a call on the government to suspend all prosecutions under the conscription laws. At present we are in the process of approaching a range of political and other organisations for them to support this call. 2. At the press conference we would also announce the names of a group of individuals who, in support of John Downie and John Kelly, are publicly announcing their refusal to do any further camps. 3. If they had not already done so, the people in this group would also then individually inform the SADF in writing that they refuse to do any further camps. In order to discuss the possibility of taking up the issue of camps and doing something in support of John Downie and John Kelly we will be holding a meeting on Saturday February the 6th at 2pm. The venue for the meeting is Quaker House, 3 Gordon Terrace, Doornfontein.

&nd Campaign

Collection Number: AG1977

END CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN (ECC)

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