South Africa Hard Words, Harsh Actions

Botha attacks his critics, and the U.S. Senate votes for sanctions

South African politicians may still be unschooled in diplomacy, but they have made great strides on the public relations front. A year ago, government leaders advertised that State President P.W. Botha would unveil a package of far-reaching reforms at a provincial National Party congress in Durban. When Botha's "manifesto for the future" proved to be largely a manifesto for more of the same, an international outcry ensued. Last week, as Botha returned to Durban to address a full party congress, officials tried a different tack, this one designed to thwart untoward expectations. One administrator warned foreign correspondents, "This speech is not...

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