Anti .Apartheid Movement

Anti .Apartheid Movement 13 Mandela Street London NW1 ODW Tel 01-387 7966 Facsimile 01-388 0173 NII1UTE,9 OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON 8 APRIL 1989 held in the Council Chamber, Glasgow present (a) Individuals : Robert Hughes NP (Chair), N.Terry, A.Brooks, M.Sparham, M.Malik, D.Robinson (Enfield AA), M.Ling, J.Beck (Lewisham AA), C.Burford, M.Pye, B.Grant, P.Long, B.Filling, B.Switzer, R.Jewkes, S Ka ath, D. Thea, P. Blomfield. (b) AA Local Groups/Regional Committees/ Scottish Committee/WAAM Beverly Graham (Aberdeen), Cheryl Williams (Hackney), Anna Kruthoffer (London AAC), Alex McLaren (Glasgow Reg.) Gavin McGeoch (Glasgow South), John Nelson (Scottish C'ttee), Bridget Bulmer (Tyneside AA), Charlie Fraser (N Staffs), R.Bravery (Merseyside), Brian Heron (Glasgow N.W.), B.Gibbons (Greater Manchester), P.Hepburn (Bolton), D.Robison (Central Region Stirling), Andy Chaffer (Birmingham), Alex Reid (Lewisham), Martyn Moss (Congleton & District), Mel Fox Mason (Bristol), Idris Coker (Bath), Andrew Macaulay, Paul Atkin (Islington), Sue Gent, Steve Morris (Oldham), Laura Woods, Abdou Said Bakar (Edinburgh), Olive Smiles (Scottish C'ttee), Pete Maris (Nottingham), Lynne Harnie, Tam Wallace (Fife), Stuart Butcher (Dundee & Tayside), Iain Whyte (Scottish C'ttee), John Butterworth (Ayr), Mike Southcombe (Somerset & West Dorset), Smitty Snowden (Oxford City), Nath Harding, Carol Dixon (Sheffield), Alan Ball (Yorks & Humberside), Sophi Tranchell (Hammersmith & Fulham), Sean O'Donovan (Haringey), Nadia Joseph (Barnet), David Kenvyn (Redbridge), Clive Haswell (Yorks & Humberside Reg), Tim Riley (Huddersfield). Voting organisations : Derek Kotz (Liberation); John Macreadie (CPSA); Observer organisations and guests : Billy asethla (ANC); Alistair TeelingSmith; I Stuart MacQuarrie (Scottish C'ttee Local Authorities); Brian Griffin (BFAWU). Staff : Karen Talbot, Mick Flynn 1. IA1ologies In viduals : Archbishop Huddleston, Abdul Minty, Suresh Kamath, Richard Caorn MP, Tarin Brokinshire, Jo Gibbons, Fred Carneson, Adrian Long, Vella Pillay, David Steel MP, Joan Lestor MP, Jack Jones, Roger Harris, John McKinnon, Dafydd Elis Thomas MP. Organisations :SWAPO (Shapua Kaukungua), National Peace Council, NOLS, NUS (Stephen Twigg), CPGB (Gerry Pocock), Methodist Division of Social Responsibility (Rachel Stephen), UNA (Rashid Kareh), BDAF (Terry Shott), NALGO (John McFadden), AEU (Terry Butler), NGA (John Villats), FTAT (George Goodfellow), NCPS (Nigel Bellamy). 2. Minutes of the meeting of 28 January Since these had only been circulated at the meeting, the Chair proposed to defer putting them formally to the meeting until the end of the agenda to allow time to read them and submit amendments. This was agreed. FOR FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

3. Matters arising from minutesof meeting of 27 November 1989 Bob Hughes recalled that he had given an undertaking to find a replacement as Treasurer for Vella Pillay, who had tendered his resignation on grounds of ill health. Richard Caborn had agreed to act until the 1989 AGM, and his appointment as Acting Treasurer was confirmed. Agreed to convey to Vella Pillay the N.C.'s appreciation of his invaluable contribution as Treasurer. He had accepted co-option on to the H.C., so would continue his involvement. 4. Matters arisin& from minutes of meeting of 28 January (Doc 13) The Matters Arising paper was circulated, and the following additional points were made 4.01 Professional Groups - action still pending 4.02 AAM sponsors - no further report from the B.C. 4.03 NC Voting organisations : It was reported that the British Youth Council was not able to take up the vacant position. Agreed to invite the National Association of Youth Clubs to do so. 4.04 Affiliations - Azania Namibia Forum (London Region): Mike Terry drew the meeting's attention to the written reports from the Credentials Committee (Dovs. 5 and 5A). He recalled that the Credentials Committee had recommended to the September N.C. that this application be rejected because the ostensible aims of the organisation were identical to the AAM's and this meant duplication. However the N.C. had asked the Executive Committee to investigate the matter further. This decision not yet having been implemented, the matter had been raised again at the January N.C. They have now been written to, and reply is awaited. 4.05 Motions and amendments remitted from the AGM : Mike Terry introduced the report. The E.C. believed that specific decisions were only required in relation to two items Motion 42 re sport : The EC took the view that since we already had a strategy no special document was called for. There had been recent talks with reps. of the non-racial SA Rugby Union (SARU). Clive Haswell pointed out that we still needed a strategy for sports like snooker, tennis etc. After a brief discussion it was agreed to invite Sam Ramsamy (SAIROC) to give the next N.C. meeting a briefing on recent developments. Motion 52 re Local Government Act : M. Terry reported that the Trade Union C'ttee had held a consultation with local government unions about the new restrictions on anti-apartheid activities. Local Authorities are not now debarred from boycotting South African goods as such, only from from refusing to buy from companies because of their South African connections. The unions and lawyers are looking at draft guidelines, and the AAM needs to give advice in this area. 4.06 1989 AGM : will be on 25/26 November at the City University, London. Chris Burford urged that in planning it we get the balance right between staff resources needed for organising the AGM and for planning and executing campaigns. Bob Hughes, replying, stated that as the AGM was in effect the policy basis of the AAM it was an absolute priority. 5. NAMIBIA EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN (Documents 4, 7 and briefing materials) Karen Talbot introduced the report. She outlined the work done since the last N.C. meeting. The Namibia Emergency Campaign (NEC), jointly convened by AAM and NSC following consultations with SWAPO, had been launched at a successful meeting on 15 March, which SWAPO Secretary Gen. Andimba Toivo ja Toivo had addressed. Subsequently 150 national organisations have been approached for sponsorship for the NEC; an emergency mailing list, the need for which had been shown by events of the past week, is being established to facilitate quick responses by activists and organisations; a rally is being organised in London for SWAPO President Sam Nujoma for 19 April; initial plans for an activist conference outside London on 13 May were being reviewed in the light of events in the region, and options being considered were a national delegate conference in London, or a demonstration. .On Archbishop Huddleston's initiative, a SWAPO Election Appeal has been set up with co-sponsors Neil Kinnock, Norman Willis, Paddy Ashdown and David Owen. Karen Talbot explained that it was not the intention to determine for the people of Namibia what the future of their country would be, but to give SWAPO, which has borne the brunt of the struggle for independence, the financial resources to enable it to participate in the November elections on something approaching equal terms. She urged organisations to purchase the Appeal leaflet and use it in their mailings. Turning to recent events, she condemned the biassed and inaccurate media coverage of the crisis in northern Namibia, and called for counter action both nationally and locally. Mrs Thatcher, despite having had to twice apologise to the House of Commons for misleading it about the availability of key documents (the Geneva Protocols, which South Africa published for the first time after her apology, and the UN Secretary-General's report which was confidential, but had been quoted by the PM on Tuesday) was sticking to her position, accusing SWAPO of challenging the UN's authority. Mike Terry and Bob Hughes elaborated on developments during the past week and the initatives taken by the AAM. Joni Wilson, vice-chair of NSC, thanked the AAM for the initiatives it had taken and the tremendous work put in by the office staff. She urged people to obtain and use Action on Namibia and the monthly Kamibia )ewsbrieflne in order to be able to combat disinforation; activists should phoie in response to bad reporting. Karen Talbot drew attention to the extensive list of media phone nos. (national, regional & local) supplied with the Namibia briefing materials for the meeting. Chris Burford warned that we should not counter-pose short term work on Namibia against long term work on economic sanctions. He urged use of telephone circles by the office, including for 24-hour mobilisation when necessary. Brian Filling said people were losing sight of of the fact that South Africa is the main enemy - some have been persuaded that South Africa is right, the UN wrong. It's important to brief journalists, as Peter Manning of SWAPO had done at a fringe meeting at the NUJ's conference in Scotland. Our approach mist be clear, even if details on the ground are confusing. Kath Harding noted the difficulties of promoting financial support. Mike Sparham said the cut-back in the size of the UNTAG force had allowed South Africa to seize the initiative. He preferred a delegate-type event for 13 May. Andy Chaffer said the Namibia workshop at Birmingham's Boycott Apartheid 89 mobilising meeting had called for a demonstration of support for the people of Namibia in October. Mike Terry concurred with Brian Filling. The troops deployed against SWAPO had one of the worst records of brutality.. But we must also focus on the British government - Mrs Thatcher was instrumental in getting the UN to authorise the deployment of these troops. He stressed some key points a) SWAPO has always had a military presence in Namibia. Bases for these forces in Namibia is still part of the UN plan - but South Africa didn't accept this. b The Geneva Protocol (between Angola, Cuba and South Africa) is not a UN document. SWAPO have never signed or endorsed them. The Cuban/Angolan agreement to withdrawal to bases north of 16th parallel was made in the context of a cessation of hostilities - but South Africa-had never stopped hostilities against SWAPO. c) The Prime Minister, who has hounded those responsible for leaking official documents even into prison, quoted selectively from the UN Secretary General's confidential report. We had to turn the tide. South African forces were now killing SWAPO people and civilians, under the aegis of the UN. It is important for the people of South Africa as well as those of Namibia that the UN Plan continues and succeeds. He proposed a mass delegate conference; if agreed, consultations would follow with SWAPO and NSC. Bob Hughes said that the inspiration for the UNTAG reductions had come from Mrs Thatcher. Foreseeing the sort of crisis that had now arisen, we had pleaded with the 5 Permanent Members. Now a powerful army was hunting down small groups and murdering them in the bush. We have to respond in detail. Our support for SWAPO must govern all our actions. The EC-should decide the short term responses on Monday, in the light of the week-end's developments. Bernie Grant : We must prioiitise work on SWAPO. We've been caught on the hop, the South African propaganda machine is rolling over us. The problem is that SWAPO wasn't party to the agreements; SWAPO must be at the table, otherwise agreements are worthless. All the SWAPO casualties are deaths why no injured ? He had challenged Mrs Thatcher in the House on the UNTAG reductions. He was for a demonstration soon, and pressure on the Soviet embassy. Charlie Fraser said : We can use the TESCO mobilisation on 22nd April - give people SWAPO flags. Dan Thea said : The situation is very worrying, reminiscent of the UN operation in the Congo nearly 30 years ago, when UN was supposed to defend Patrice Lumumba but he was killed, and Tshombe was assisted. Similar issues arose then as now : role of the Secretary-General, the composition and conduct of the UN forces. The Front Line States are offering help, they are nearby, but they're ignored. We must express our appreciation of SWAPO's staunchness. The enemy is trying to weaken SWAPO politically before the elections. Following other brief interventions, Mike Terry summed up the discussion with the following action proposals, which were agreed : 1. To issue a press statement with the following key demands * immediate establishment by the UN of assembly points where SYAPO forces can assemble and the designation of locations where SYAPO armed forces can be restricted to base; * immediate end to deployment of SA military forces and their confinement to base as required by the UN Plan; * immediate deployment of the full UNTAG military force of 7500; * with immediate effect, SWAPO should .be a full party to all negotiations. 2. To send a message of solidarity and support to the President of SYAPO. 3. Maximum mobilisation for the NEC rally to be addressed by the SWAPO President on 19. April and all possible support to SWAPO to ensure the success of 11is visit. 4. All-out effort to raise funds for the SWAPO Election Campaign Appeal. 5. Production of an emergency leaflet for Local Groups' use, especially on the day of actidn on TESCO on 22 April. 6. Local AA Groups in consultation with Namibia Support Groups to convene emergency meetings to discuss their planned activities on Namibia including the possiblity of public meetings in support of SWAPO. 7. AAX members and Groups should seek to counter media distortions by letter writing, phoning etc. (detailed list of media phone nos. was circulated). 8. EC was requested at its 10 April meeting in the light of developments over the week-end and consultations with SWAPO and NSC on the proposals to convene either an emergency mobilising conference in London on 13 May or an emergency demonstration. 6. FINANCE AND FUND-RAISING (Document 11) In the absence of the outgoing treasurer through indisposition, and of the Acting Treasurer because of constituency engagements, Mike Terry presented the report from the Management & Finance Committees. In the first 6 months of the current financial year to end June there had been a shortfall of income of Z75,000, and of £17,000 in the 3rd quarter. This situation arose because we expanded dramatically, requiring an expansion of staff to cope with increased administration. But there had been a downturn in the level of activity this year, leading to an income of under £30,000 in March. This was indicative of a general relaxation, not of a failure in any one sector. But expectations of the AAM continued high - we often have to respond to sudden situations, eg. the crisis in Namibia, the Hunger Strikes, etc.

We give our members a high level of servicing compared with other campaigning organisations. But staffing is thin : AA News is produced by two half-time staff. With a membership as big as some political parties we have only 2 membership workers. We targetted an income of £800,000 yet have only one fund- raiser. Orders for campaign materials etc. are handled by one worker with help from volunteers. Only one Field Worker working outside London one person to service SATIS work on repression. There has been no increase in campaign staff in the past 4 years. The report shows how we are trying to reduce expenditure and to generate income. If we cut back on staff it'll have serious effects in the Movement. It is important to make a success of the Fun Run and the Raffle, which now encourages Local Groups to sell more tickets by giving them half the income. Laura Woods pointed to the high cost of mailings to the 400 national individual members (NIMs) in Edinburgh, and asked if it was cost effective for HQ to mail all NIMs, M.Terry: this is one of the things our consultant is looking into. David Kenvyn called for a direct mailing campaign to members and supporters, on Namibia; and for a drive to get monthly standing orders. Smitty Snowdon said Oxford had 300 NIMs; they don't domuch, but at least they'll give money. Andy Chaffer cited the Mandela Bike Rides as an effective fund-raiser. M. Terry: (a) The raffle is central. A Group selling £2000 worth of tickets gains £1000, There are only a few areas where it's hard to sell. (b) The Fun Run is being done by volunteers; it can be done in other cities 6c) Regional workshops on Finance, Fund-raising & Membership will be important. If certain minimum contributions from Local Groups are achieved (e.g. £100 from group with under 100 KIMs) AAX will have a more secure income. (d) The 30th Anniversary Appeal in June must be made successful. (e) The renewal in the summer of the large number of first-time members is crucial. We must get 8090% renewal rate. Otherwise we'll be cutting back on activities. Sean O'Donovan advocated direct mailing via a special campaign card to nonmembers as well as members. The Report's recommendations were approved 1. Report was received. 2. Finance Committee is asked to prepare for the July meeting a budget of income & expenditure for the 1989/90 financial year. 3. EC's actions in cancelling the Boycott Festival and cutting back on campaign expenditure were endorsed. 4. EC is authorised to take further measures to increase income and cutback on expenditure in order to place the AAM on sound financial basis, and to report accordingly to the July meeting. 5. Ifcreases in national T.U. affiliation fees recommeded by the TU Comittee were approved. 7. Report of the Credentials Committee (Document 5) Clive Haswell introduced the report, which was approved. After the lunch break Bob Hughes reported that the pool fare for individuals came to X52, and it was agreed to ask the Officers to look into the problem of such high costs.

8. Report to the National Committee (Document 9) X. Terry introduced the report calling attention to the forthcoming events The Information Tour on 'Children and Apartheid', starting in the north and Scotland, from 22 April; launch of the EC AAs' Manifesto for the European Parliament Elections in June; the EC coal campaign conference in May; the 30th Anniversary supplement to AA News and related anniversary activity; and the Health and Liberation conference on 6 lay. The report was approved. 9. Recent Developments in Southern Africa (Document 8) 9.01 Alan Brooks welcomed the secretary during 1988 of the End Conscription Campaign (ECC), Alistair Teeling-Smith, who briefly recounted the history of the ECC. It grew rapidly after the use of troops in the townships in 1984. The regime first derided them as cowards, then called them the fourth biggest threat (after SACP, ANC, UDF). Some war resisters were detained, and the ECC had to adapt to working under State of Emergency conditions. By the time it was banned in Aug. 1988, EC was stronger than ever. 18- year old Charles Bester was serving 6 years in a juvenile prison. Then came the David Bruce case, and 2 weeks later the public refusal of .143. This was the tip of the iceberg of resistance. Defence Minister Malan said ECO was undermining SADF morale, and two weeks later ECC was banned. In October 1987 a special unit dealing with draft dodgers admitted it was pursuing 2,400 people a month - many of them are not caught. ECO has also lobbied for a system of alternative service; exposed aspects of the military system; opposed the role of the military in Namibia. I* V.Europe they're focussing on issue of European nationals with dual citizenship serving in the army. Governments should support war resisters of their own nationality. The issue should be raised in the June elections. N. Terry pointed out that the problem was Wider than dual citizenship - it took in the many potential British passport-holders living in SA. Also, companies like Shell top up the army's levels of wages for such people when they're on call-up. It's a problem of companies as well as governments. Abdul Minty had attended a consultation in Amsterdam on the issue, and the EC AAMs would be discussing it further soon. 9.02 Bob Hughes introduced Mrs Forbes, mother of Ashley Forbes serving 15 years imprisonment on Robben Island for military activities of the ABC. His colleague, Ashley Kriel, had been gunned down by police on arrest; his mother was also in this country now. Their visit highlights the issue of Prisoner-of-Var status for combatants. Mrs Forbes described the arrival of the police at her home, seeking to arrest Ashley. He was on the run for 18 months, but was well supported by the community. Then she got an anonymous tip-off that he was in hospital. She recounted her efforts to see him, and the effects of the tortures he had suffered. His interrogators even slipped into the hospital where he was being treated and using a plastic bag tried to extract information from him. Since his trial he's been on Robben Island but his morale is high. The National Committee rose to pay tribute to the speaker, and the Chair thanked her for her moving words. 9.03 Alan Brooks introduced the draft statement on MrsThatcher's visit to the region. He stressed that for Pretoria and its allies, the transition to independence in Namibia was a dummy run for attempting a similar strategy of controlled and limited change in South Africa. In both cases the liberation movements were the main targets. He stressed the importance of the debt crisis underlying South Africa's attempts to change the political climate so as to be able to renegotiate the debt and get new loans. The statement was approved. 10. Future development of the AAX (Document 3) Mike Terry briefly recalled the background to the report. Shortly after last July's Mandela rally, the National Committee had called for a review of AAM's future development. The EC report to the Sept. NC meeting was sent out to Local Groups and affiliated organisations and this process of consultation led to the Document R7 presented to the AGM. It war then remitted to the NC, with related'motions, and the NC at its meeting after the AGN called for options to be prepared by:the EC, which were discussed at the January IC meeting. The report now on the table was the result of this long and careful consideration of all aspects of AAM's future development. Whilst in the current financial situation any proposals for expansion were academic, we must have a clear sense of priorities worked out for when the Movement enters another period of rapid growth, instead of responding ad hoc as it did before - twice. The current report opts for strengthening the organisational base of the AAK, envisaging an expansion from one Field Officer to a team, with Scotland and Vales to be given priority, and thereafter regionally-based FOs for England. These were posts which we knew from experience could not be-externally funded; their establishment will become possible only when funds permit. But developmental posts in other areas it may be possible to secure outside funding for, and the report indicates the priorities in these areas. Alan Ball said that the AGM had remitted Doc. R7 because of insufficient attention to fieldwork - which should be the over-riding priority. Ian Whyte pointed out that Glasgow was the only place besides London where the regime had an office, and in effect a new field officer. It was important for the AAX to keep a high profile. Abdou Bakar drew on Edinburgh's experience to show how it was possible both to consolidate and cater for diverse needs. The regions must develop strategies to reach out wider, inc. by translating leaflets. Chris Burford said our problem was not lack of money, but managing our resources. More planning was needed : doc. R7 was only given out at the AGM. We should seek professional management advice. Alex McLaren said not many Local Groups come to NC meetings. We must create structures adequate to face future crises. Mandela St. is understandably reluctant to subsidise people in the regions. But the regions could tackle development if they had seed money from HQ to start, e*g. full funding first year, 50% in 2nd year. Clive Haswell welcomed the report - the EC had taken on board the contributions made at the AGX and kC. The right priorities for field-workers had been identified. Sympathetic organisations could be approached in Wales and Scotland to help get things moving. Sophie Tranchell said a Press Officer was a priority - as shown by events in Namibia and the BA89 launch. Local press work is helped by a high national profile. Munir Malik agreed with the priorities; we should aim to get best value from limited resources. Replying to the debate, M.Terry pointed out that between the Sept. NC and the AGX the EC had held two extra l-day meetings, which meant that R7's drafting could only be completed on the eve of the AGX. It's not a problem of management so much as of the time taken to give effect to the democracy of the Movement. There is no lack of willingness to take professional

0 advice, and we are doing so now on finance and fund-raising. The NC can't manage the Movement, it must identify priorities. Last summer we recognised the need for a-Finance & Admin. Secretary - but it's proving difficult to fill because of our low salaries. Our expectations are geared to campaigning responsiveness - often to unpredictable developments. This is the basic cause of inefficiencies. As to local/regional support for.Field Officers, it should not be the AAM nationally but the AAM on the ground that should make these approaches. The idea of providing seed money posed the problem of whichones to choose. The Chair put the Report and its recommendations to the meeting, and they were approved mem. con. Paul Blomfield thanked Mike Terry for the work done in drafting & redrafting it. 11. Boycott Apartheid 89 (Doc. 6) Nick Flynn reported on the national launch, press coverage of which had been poor, and local launches, some of which had been very successful. The Boycott Bandwagon would be launched first in Southampton, then London. Work was in hand for a consumer boycott campaign video, to be shown on the bus or at meetings. The bus would have an exhibiton/merchandise area downstairs, and a speaker's platform, and-PA system upstairs. In view of the delayed start, it was pioposed to extend the Bus's itinerary to March. This would tie in with mobilisation, for a major demonstration on sanctions in March, which the report proposed, subject to further consideration in the light of events. Preparations were going well for covering all Tesco outlets on 22nd April, 50% of them were now definitely covered, arrangements pending re 40% and the rest remained to be tackled. Tesco have established a Food Advisory Service, with a freephone - Sheffield have published the number so that people can use it. New briefing is available on country-of-origin marking, and one is in preparation on the policy of major retailes re SA goods. Because of the high financial risks involved it was proposed not to proceed with the Alexandra Palace event at end of July. In the ensuing discussion, the Shell Day of Action on 6 May and AGM on 11 May were highlighted by D.Kenvyn, and the campaign materials produced for Cape and Outspan days were criticised by Sophie Tranchell as being confused and lacking the AA logo. On contact with USDAV, M.Terry reported on a recent meeting with the Union's Gen. Sec. Garfield Davies, who had outlined the educational work being done within the Union. The report and recommendations were approved. 13. Progress on implementing AGM resolutions Mike Terry said there were four items pending from last meeting upon which no progress had been made, because of pressures of other work. 14. SATIS campaigns (Doc. 14) Mike Terry reported on the launch the previous night of the 'No Apartheid Executions' petition campaign, aimed at generating more pressure on the Government to intervene on all such cases, and therefore taking the form of a parliamentary petition. The SATIS paper provided guidance on how to popularise the campaign. It was important to focus on the issue of PoW status for captured combatants. He also gave an up-date on SATIS actions in

15. Membership campaign (Doc. 12, 12A) Alan Brooks introduced the Report. He drew attention to the preparations now in hand at HQ to provide resources for regional workshops on membership finance and fund-raising. He explained the need for a membership survey, and invited views on whether a BA89 recruitment leaflet was needed, and on the experience of Local Groups in relation to attracting Local and/ar National individual members, and converting the former into the latter. Alan Ball said the regions needed lists of all members in their area. Paul Blomfield said Sheffield had only begun to push NINs in past 2 years, having had success in attracting LIMs at low rates. They ring round to new NIs and get 50% positive responses. So it's important for Groups to know who new members are. Sean Donovan asked if Groups get get lists of new NIs monthly. Nike Terry recalled that the previous meeting had been told that it could be done only bi-monthly, because it takes a lot of computer time. 2. Minutes of the previous meetInZ N. Terry apologised for the late circulation of the minutes and reported a) two amendments needed : add Barbara Switzer to those present, and the EC had been asked to look into the application for affiliation of the Azania/Namibia Forum. b) Rachel Jewkes was seeking to amend the minute on the discussion of Professional/Special Interest Groups (PSIGs) Against Apartheid in two respects. One, which was non-contentious, was to add Russell Levy's reference to the fact that Lawyers Against Apartheid has organisations affiliated to it. The other, which she formally moved as an amendment, was to indicate that the Chair, in summing up the discussion, had expressed a consensus that left the door open to the affiliation of organisations to PSIGs in appropriate cases. Bernie Grant expressed support for the proposed amendment to the minutes, and Mike Sparham and Mike Terry spoke against it. On a vote, 5 voted for the amendment, 14 against, with numerous abstentions. The amendment was defeated, and the minutes approved, with the other amendments previously referred to. 16. AOB Dan Thea reported on the Black & Ethnic Minorities Committee meeting with local and AAM activists held in the lunch-break, and on the launch event planned for 25 May. Support would be given to the anti- racist demo in Edinburgh on 3 June protesting the murder ot a Somali refugee in January. Sophie Tranchell announced a forthcoming Kassinga Day event in W.London. DATE OF NEXT MEETING - SATURDAY 8 JULY 1989 in CARDIFF.