LONDON: Members of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Party Fri day urged her to change her mind and set an example for President Reagan by supporting sanctions against South Africa,
“Britain’s economic, strategic and political interests all require us to impose substantial sanctions against South Africa,” the Conservatives Tory Reform Group said in a hard-hitting statement,
“If Margaret Thatcher made up her mind to use strong sanctions, President Reagan and Chancellor Kohl of West Germany would inevitably follow. On this issue the British prime minister is perceived by the whole world as holding the leading position,” the statement said.
In Edinburgh, Scotland, anti-apartheid demonstrators pelted Thatcher’s car with eggs and tomatoes as she visited the Common wealth Games, which are being boycotted by more than half the expected teams in protest of her ant sanctions policy.
A crowd estimated by police at 500 waited for Thatcher for more than an hour outside Edinburgh’s stadium, chanting protests.
Thatcher’s stand sparked an African led boycott of the games, which resulted in 32 of the 58 expected countries and territories withdrawing from the games.
“I dont think there is going to be a big shootout,” said Sir Lynden Piddling, prime minister of the Bahamas, who will chair the meeting.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 8, 1986
