(7 of 8)
Certainly the U.S. should not allow itself to be pushed, by the threat of Communist advances, into a policy toward South Africa that is against its self-interest. But all the past reasons for the U.S. support of South Africa—trade, raw materials, strategic position —fade in comparison with the great symbolic issue. 'South Africa has made itself into a kind of international acid test of decency on race. This is not to say that South Africa must be opposed unconditionally on all issues. But the U.S. cannot support the present government unless its policies change. This indeed is a matter of American self-interest. As a member of South Africa's Institute on Race Relations puts it, "If America can demonstrate that liberal, capitalist democracy has an answer to racial discrimination, and an answer sufficiently powerful to move white South Africa, then the scenario for Africa's whole future could be different."
If the South African government refuses to change, should the U.S. back economic sanctions? Most blacks think so. They are bitter over U.S. trade with South Africa (including arms sales). They are familiar with the argument that by doing business with South Africa the U.S. retains some leverage, but most fail to see the results of that leverage. Yet sanctions probably would not work, given South Africa's own vast resources and other willing suppliers. Such measures would probably hurt America's European allies, who are heavy trading partners of South Africa, more than they would hurt their target. Sanctions must not be ruled out, but other forms of persuasion and pressure must be tried first. That will not be easy. The U.S. does not really have many ways of applying such pressure; while it would not help South Africa in a guerrilla war with black nationalists, it could scarcely help the other side either.
What should America hope and work for? The quick abolition of apartheid and far more rapid economic advancement for blacks. It should not, for the present, demand one man, one vote. To do so, as Vice President Walter Mondale seemed to, means in effect writing off any hope of a peaceful settlement. One man, one vote only antagonizes virtually all white South Africans, convinces them that the U.S. is neither serious nor reasonable and that they might as well go down fighting. For the near term, some form of qualified black suffrage should be the goal. Even most black spokesmen in South Africa plead only for a form of "sharing in the decision-making process." Would this satisfy the black nationalists elsewhere in Africa? Surely not, but that should not deter us. Serious change—a serious political role for blacks combined with genuine retreat from apartheid and genuine steps toward economic equality —would make a tremendous difference.