President’s Daughter Hits Apartheid

President Reagan’s daughter Maureen denounced South Africa’s system of racial discrimination today but warned Third World delegates at the U.N. women’s conference against forcing a general debate on the subject.

Reagan, addressing more then 4,000 delegates to the conference from 155 countries, also said the U.S. delegation she heads does not object to discussing the plight of Palestinian women but added that talks should focus on women’s concerns and not politics.

“Apartheid is abhorrent to the government and the people of the United States,” Reagan said in her 15-minute speech, which was twice interrupted by thunderous applause.

“In addition to its demeaning and destructive effect on the black people of South Africa, its effects upon women are especially severe.”

Earlier Walkout Threat

Her statements came a day after she threatened to walk out of the conference if Third World delegates tried to politicize the meeting.

She said she realizes that some delegates believe that “the situation of Palestinian women deserves special attention. The United States has never and does not now object to the discussion of these issues at the conference.”

“We want this conference to be remembered as a conference of women, by women and for women,” Reagan said.