GA/AP/810, 10 March 1978
Following is the text of a message sent by the Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid, Leslie O. Harriman (Nigeria), to the Conference on International Sport, Politics, Racism and Apartheid being held in Nashville, Tennessee, from 10 to 12 March:
I am happy to send my greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Special Committee against Apartheid, to the organizers and participants of the Conference on International Sport, Politics, Racism and Apartheid.
The world-wide campaign against apartheid in sport is an important aspect of the movement in support of the oppressed people of South Africa in their struggle for freedom and human dignity. It is an act of solidarity with the non-racial sportsmen and administrators in South Africa who have upheld the principle of non-racialism despite intimidation and persecution. It is a contribution to the defence of the Olympic principle and the United Nations Charter.
I would like to commend the many Governments and organizations which have been responsible for the notable successes in the efforts to exclude racist South African teams from international competitions. But a few international sports bodies remain insensitive to the problem of apartheid and racism. And the South African regime and the racist sports bodies have been engaged in frantic efforts to deceive public opinion through adjustments in apartheid policies.
I believe that an international convention is essential as a complement to the international declaration on apartheid in sport, so that all collaboration with apartheid sports teams can be ended.
Efforts must also be increased to ensure that multinational corporations cease financial support of apartheid sports. Their activities in this field have been as discreditable as their labour practices in South Africa.
Attention is rightly focussed at this time on the Davis Cup match scheduled for next week in Nashville. This match is an affront to the black people of South Africa and to the United Nations on the eve of the International Anti-Apartheid Year, and during the trade union week of protest against apartheid. It must be stopped.
I commend all those who have protested this match and assure them of the full support of the Special Committee.