AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE" Pacific Northwest Regional Office

Free South Africa Movement (FSAM) National Organizers Meeting Cincinnati, Ohio November 15 - 18, 1985

Conference Report By Randolph Carter

Introduction:

The national organizers meeting of FSAM was held in Covington, Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati, on November 15 - 18. It was called and coordinated by the board and staff of TransAfrica under the direction of Randall Robinson. Represented were Boston, New York, Virginia, Chicago, L.A., Detroit, Seattle, Portland - Chapters of FSAM or South Africa organizers.

The session was convened by Roger Wilkens, FSAM Board member and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. Wilkins reviewed the past successes of FSAM movement from Nov. 21, 1984, and the arrests of Robinson, Berry, and Fauntroy.

Once the momentum began in FSAM Chapters and sister organizations in cities around the country, strategizing on a national basis was possible. To date, close to 4000 people have committed civil disobedience, there is a recognition in the press of FSAM, and action on Capitol Hill has been greatly enhanced.

City Updates:

Sylvia Hill took over the discussion to have each city report on their progress and activities. The summaries were as follows:

Bay Area -- Pacific Maritime Association boycotts on waterfront ILWU 1110 leading a five-port strategy to keep South African goods out of Bay Area. Divestment legislation in Alameda County, Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and San Francisco. Sales of bumperstickers, stamps, pins, buttons by unemployed people -- helps draw the attention of Bay Area citizens to plight of South Africans. Boycott of Del Monte products going well, again trade unions taking the lead. Solidarity work with Central America, Philippines, and other progressive movements. Work on University of California campuses -- extremely successful.

Cleveland -- Consulate demonstrations on monthly basis. Working on state divestment. City divestment completed.

Detroit -- Creation of a coalition of over 100 organizations, all of whom maintain their identity with one requirement -- opposition to apartheid. Event nights sponsored by each organization, ex: films, speakers, etc. Coalition used primarily as a clearing house to coordinate not control. Selective purchasing program in city, state government, and schools. Educationals -- get a lot of organizations to put out literature in their own · Page 2

name, and get organizations to sponsor educationals to their own constituencies. Michigan Lawyers Against Apartheid has 1000 members. Special actions include: (1) calling a meeting of every jeweler in Detroit, developing a pledge against krugerrand sales, and printing a list of who is and who isn't; (2) meetings with corporations, threaten large demonstrations, and meet with employees and administrators about divestment. The governor has a ten-point program for phased divestment and will divest. Office space and telephone has been donated.

St. Louis -- Building a strong chapter.

Boston -- Consul resigned 12-5-84. Twenty-five cities and towns in Massachusetts have not divested. Big college push. Granny Smith apple boycott. A local radio station had anti-apartheid day, no commercials, all time dedicated to South Africa -- they called South Africa to talk with Tutu, used local personalities, used South Africans during program. Harvard denied degrees to consulate demonstrators, so FSAM is trying to reach Harvard alums to pressure them to give degrees.

University of California -- Study group advising University on divestment. Faculty Against Apartheid, 100 strong (Berkeley), 6 campuses (of 9). 450 faculty marched to president's office in October in robes, 8 arrested down Bancroft St., talked to president of U.C. Petition process underway with all faculty. Gave regents 9 resolutions from 9 campuses. Fundraising for ANC, purchasing ban, other creative actions.

Portland -- Lot of media. State Ethics Committee investigating a trip taken to South Africa by Retirement Board member.

End of city reports -- Break

The afternoon session begins. Sylvia Hill convenes and Damu Smith comments.

Political Concerns and Direction:

U.S. policy toward South Africa is couched in terms of Soviet expansionism. If the debate turns toward communism then we (the U.S.) will be on the defensive.

A) An attempt to cover sovietism by aid to UNITA. -Aid to l:JNIT A is aid to South Africa.

B) Recent vote against sanctions on Namibia.

C) South Africa lobbyists have targeted the Black Community for penetration. William Keyes (Black) has been hired for $390,000 to develop a view of South Africa for Blacks in terms of business, churches, community.

D) Jerry Falwell and the 700 Club are using radio and television, we must deal with this.

Legislation:

The conservative right-wing Heritage Foundation is launching an anti-divestment campaign.

Claude Peper has led the fight in the House to repeal the Clarke Amendment (July 31). The Clarke Amendment prevents funding to any forces in Angola by the CIA - 1976. Page 3

Sept. 16 -- Rep. Waller introduces $10 million in aid for MNR (Mozambican Na"tional Resistance). The same day President Michel is in Washington.

Oct. 1 -- Rep. Pepper (D - FI.) $27 million in aid to UNITA "humanitarian aid."

Oct. 21 -- Rep. McClough (D - FI.) Economic sanctions against Angola.

Oct. 23 -- Rep. Silgander (D - Mich.) Military assistance to UNITA.

"We must defeat the Marxist forces in Africa."

Sept. -- South Africa invades Angola to assist Savimbi -- UNIT A.

UNITA support group (Angolan Council) is showing films to congresspeople, promoting UNITA.

Analysis: South Africa cannot afford the war with Angola. If the U.S. funds UNITA, it will offset South Africa debt. Savimbi is bankrolled by South Africa. Frontline states paid $10 billion in terms of loss of income, infrastructure, loss of life, refugee costs in the last ten years.

Economic costs to South Africa for continuence of apartheid:

-- General state of collapse in South Africa and inability to raise short term/long term financing.

-- Must move in a direction -- direct action that will involve large number of people on a daily basis, i.e. boycotts, ex: Flor Corporation imports coal, 40% of the coal used il" US comes from South Africa. United mineworkers will support a nationwide strike against South Africa mine operators such as F lor, Shell, Arco.

Conclusion:

We must define what victory is. Divestment~recent victories in New Mexico, Minnesota, Arizona. Local strategies would be to visit congresspeople in their home legislative offices; increase local engagements (Houston has 15 per month) at labor meetings, church and social justice forums; utilize people at rallies for next offensive; better use of existing organizations; regular meeting place, regular time (ex: every week). In New York, key ingredients have been black, labor, a radio station, UA W, NOW, Jews, left.

The Freedom Letter is an entry level for all kinds of people; public relations until congress reconvenes; AFL-CIO getting 200,000 signatures; needed by Nov. 21; Tutu coming to accept letters in front of South Africa embassy; Plant gate operations to get signatures; 52 congresspeqple to get 2000 signatures each; in Richmond, Baptist churches getting signatures in congregations.

United Mineworkers -- a claim in custom courts to ban the import of South Africa coal, due to Smoot Harley Act banning import of slave products. Also looking into the issue of imported products offsetting local jobs. Particular concern toward agricultural products, ex: Del Monte.

Other Points -- increase education on South Africa liberation struggle and movements. Dec. 10 is International Human Rights Day. Refusal of landing rights to South Africa airline. 1986 is International Year of Peace. Election year -- how to we raise South _'l Page 4

Africa on the platform? Screen Actors Guild/Actors Guild will make public statements on news blackouts -- we should contact local news broadcasters and ask them their positions.

-- WIN Dixie boyott is working in Atlanta -F lorida.

-- Demonstrations at embassies should continue, but be prepared for a shift.

-- Call to Conscience was announced but received mixed reactions, poor presentation.

-- Product boycott. Coke, Del Monte, Tree Top, and Royal Dutch Shell.

-- Bay Area Seals Campaign.

This discussion was pretty much a "free for all" with no resolution. The meeting broke up at noon.