GA/AP/835, 27 March 1978
The Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid, Leslie O. Harriman (Nigeria), has sent the following message to the recently-established Jamaica National Committee for the International Anti-Apartheid Year.
"I have learnt with great satisfaction that the Jamaican National Committee for the International Anti-Apartheid Year, bringing together representatives of government departments and public organizations, has undertaken a wide-ranging programme of activities for the Year.
"The Special Committee has been aware and highly appreciative of the firm commitment of the people of Jamaica and of its Government, under the leadership of the Honorable Michael Manley, to the liberation of southern Africa.
"It feels, however, that even committed Governments and peoples should consider, in this present crucial stage of the struggle for liberation in southern Africa, the means to enhance their contribution to ensure the speedy triumph of freedom in southern Africa.
"The Special Committee has emphasized that the struggle of the oppressed people of South Africa is today the crucial and final battle for the emancipation of the continent of Africa and that its success would mark a decisive advance in the efforts to abolish racism in the world.
"I need hardly remind you that the Caribbean peoples have a historic responsibility, along with the peoples of Africa, in ensuring the redemption of black men and women and in eradicating racism in all its manifestations.
"As Dr. W.E.B. Dubois said:
'When once the blacks of the United States, the West Indies, and Africa work and think together, the future of the black man in the modern world is safe'.
His was, indeed, the message of the many eminent leaders of the Pan-African Movement who originated from the Caribbean.
"I have no doubt that the Caribbean Governments and peoples will discharge their responsibilities towards the oppressed people of South Africa and I look forward to close co-operation with them in the effective observance of the International Anti-Apartheid Year."