Answers to questions by Drum, May 1961
[Drum asked several non-European leaders for answers to three questions concerning the planned demonstrations. The following are answers of Mr. Mandela.]
Question: Do you advocate peaceful demonstrations for May 31?
Answer: My association with the present campaign is now public knowledge. Everyone knows that I advocate such demonstrations. My answer is simply - yes.
Question: What form should the demonstrations around Republic Day take?
Answer: The programme includes a national stoppage of work for a number of days, the holding of meetings and processions. The details vary in different areas according to local issues.
Question: What aim should the demonstrations - against a republic on which our people have not been consulted - aim at?
Answer: The people will be called upon to continue their protests until their grievances are met. Alternatively, we want the government to call an all-in national convention to discuss an entirely new constitution here.