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The chief risk he sees in South African investments stems from the government's apartheid policy. Once he made statements indicating that the racial problem in South Africa was no more serious than in the South. But since the Sharpeville riots a year ago, he has increased his opposition. While "you don't solve a problem by saying you are opposed to it," Engelhard feels that he is "doing something by pointing out the limitations of the world confidence in South Africa under existing conditions." He has emphasized to leading South Africans "that for world acceptance, they must begin to realize the dignity of man as a basic concept." As an outsider, he is reluctant to criticize; but as he becomes more powerful, South Africans are beginning to forget that he has any American ties. Recently, one newspaper lost track completely and called him by the good Afrikaans name of Engelbrecht.
Engelhard is almost as busy in U.S. politics as in business. A big contributor to the Democratic Party, he organized the National Committee of Business and Professional Men and Women for Kennedy and Johnson. After the success he scored with this operation, there is gossip that he may be in line for a high Government post or for the Democratic nomination for Governor of New Jersey. Of these rumors, says Engelhard: "I'm not in search of a new job, as I am quite gainfully and actively employed, but I would give any proposal consideration."