U.S. Calls On S. Africa to Act in Scrupulous Manner : But Avoids Criticism of Regime : U.S. Calls For Scrupulous Acts From S. Africa

The White House today blamed apartheid as “largely responsible for the current violence” in South Africa but carefully avoided criticizing the white-ruled government’s assumption of extraordinary police powers to deal with growing racial unrest.

In a cautiously worded statement, White House spokesman Larry Speakes called on the Pretoria government of President P. W. Botha “to exercise its responsibilities in a scrupulous manner.”

In Pretoria, Botha, rejecting opposition calls for reconvening Parliament to discuss the latest violence and declaration of a state of emergency, said: “It is and remains the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of its people. My government will not shirk that responsibility.”

‘Considerable Responsibility’

Speakes said: “The South African government bears a considerable responsibility at this time. It says it seeks to restore law and order, and that is understandable, but we look to the South African government to exercise its responsibilities in a scrupulous manner.”

Asked if that could be interpreted as a criticism of the emergency declaration, Speakes repeated, “We look to them to exercise their responsibilities in a scrupulous manner.”

“We are very disturbed by the violence that is occurring in South Africa,” Speakes continued, reiterating a State Department expression of concern issued over the weekend. “It is counterproductive and advances no one’s interest.”

Asked if the United States was moving away from its policy of “constructive engagement,” in which it seeks to encourage the government to change its apartheid policies through persuasion rather than sanctions, Speakes said, “No, it is not.”

57 More Blacks Arrested

In South Africa, 57 more black leaders and activists were arrested today, and Botha defended the emergency decree as a way to “ensure safety.”

A grandson of Indian independence hero Mohandas K. Gandhi was reported to be among those arrested.

Two black men were killed overnight during anti-apartheid clashes in Natal province and near Johannesburg, bringing to five the number of blacks killed since the emergency was declared, police said.

The 57 new arrests brought to 170 the number of people arrested and jailed without charges since the emergency rule took effect in 36 predominantly black districts of South Africa at midnight Saturday, black sources said.

Under the measure, police have virtually unlimited powers of arrest, search and seizure in riot-torn areas around Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

Mediation Offer From Tutu

Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Desmond Tutu offered today to mediate peace talks between black leaders and the white minority government, warning that “true security and peace (cannot) come from the end of a gun barrel.”

“Despite the deep hurts and frustrations and grievances in the black community, there is a vast door of good will still available. I once again offer myself as a broker to start these crucial negotiations,” Tutu said.

Botha defended the suspension of legal rights and rejected a call by the white opposition party for a special session of Parliament to debate the emergency.

South Africa needs special security measures, not debate, to end the racial unrest that has claimed the lives of 480 people since September, Botha said.

“It is and it remains the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of its people,” Botha said. “My government will not shirk this responsibility.”