Ripple of Hope

CAPE TIMES

June 13, 1966

Kennedy will be banned by South Africa, says report

     The Government had decided that Senator Robert Kennedy would not be allowed to visit South Africa again because of his behaviour here and his remarks in East Africa subsequently, the Nationalist Sunday newspaper Beeld said yesterday.
     A report by the political correspondent of the newspaper said the Government was even reluctant to allow Senator Kennedy in South Africa for his first visit and these feelings were conveyed to him indirectly.
     “His behaviour here confirmed the Government's most serious suspicions.”
     According to the report, top-level Government officials are also dissatisfied with what they consider the “clumsy” manner in which trustees of the South Africa Foundation handled a dinner they gave for Senator Kennedy in Johannesburg last Sunday.

“NOT INVITED”      This had led to a story being spread everywhere by Mr. Kennedy that he had been invited to visit South Africa again. This was not true, as the foundation had never invited him.
     While there was confusion and disagreement among the trustees on this issue, it was learnt that trustees supporting the Nationalist Party would not tolerate such an invitation.
     Mr. Louis Gerber, chairman of the foundation, was reported as saying that the question of another Kennedy visit would be discussed by the executive at a later date.
     Another Nationalist Sunday newspaper, Dagbreek, belonging to Afrikaanse Pers, of which Dr. Verwoerd is chairman, was also strongly critical of Senator Kennedy’s visit and in a leader said that it could think of nothing more undesirable than another visit.
     Senator Kennedy did not come to South Africa to learn, and it was obvious that he was an implacable antagonist of the country. South Africa had, in any case, had enough of his “antics”.
     In its lead report, Dagbreek said that vigilance over subversive elements in South Africa will be increased because of Senator Kennedy's visit.
     In authoritative circles, Dagbreek added, it is suspected that “subversives,” who have had one setback after the other at the hands of the Security Police, believe the “climate” has improved for them because of Senator Kennedy's visit.
     In Johannesburg the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Le Roux, said he knew nothing of moves to bar Senator Kennedy.
     “Senator Kennedy travels on a diplomatic passport and the decision whether he is allowed to return or not falls under the Department of Foreign Affairs.
     “But I am a member of the Cabinet and as a member of the Cabinet I know nothing about this matter,” he said. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Muller, refused to comment.