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South Africa: White House Press Office Fact Sheet (“President’s decision on South African measures”)

Document type: Declassified documents
Venue: White House Press Office
Source: Reagan Library
Editorial comments:
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 333
Themes: Foreign policy (Africa), Commonwealth (South Africa), British policy towards South Africa

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

September 9, 1985

FACT SHEET PRESIDENT'S DECISION ON SOUTH AFRICA MEASURES

  • President sending a strong signal to South African Government: apartheid must go; time is now for bold action; actions assert his strong leadership on this issue.

  • U.S. policy has long included measures to disassociate ourselves from apartheid.

  • Actions are consistent with President's intent to maintain active presence and influence of American companies, churches, teachers, diplomats, in pushing for change in South Africa.

  • President shares concerns of American people about racism; his action designed to speak for entire Nation and pull American people together on this important issue.

  • President's measures not designed to damage South African economy and hurt those we are trying to help; targeted on specific elements of government apparatus.

  • President wants to work with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, to achieve positive and productive changes in the policies of the South African Government.

  • E.O. commits U.S. to maintain strong presence in South Africa, supports fair employment practices of U.S. companies, increases USG funds for scholarships and human rights activities.

  • E.O. prohibits U.S. banks lending to South African Government, except loans which would promote welfare of all South Africans.

  • E.O. bans all computer exports to military, police, and other apartheid-enforcing agencies.

  • E.O. prohibits U.S. nuclear exports to South Africa except for items needed for health and safety or for IAEA safeguard programs.

  • E.O. requires firms to adhere to principles similar to voluntary Sullivan program; goal is to maintain voluntarism, but those who do not adhere will be denied USG trade assistance.

  • E.O. requires USG to consult with GATT partners on Krugerrand ban.

  • E.O. requires the Secretary of Treasury to study feasibility of minting and issuing gold coins.

  • E.O. directs the Secretary of State to establish advisory committee of distinguished Americans to provide recommendations on measures to encourage peaceful change in South Africa.

  • E.O. will implement U.N. resolution, which U.S. supported, banning imports of South African arms.