U.S. Talks Tough to S. Africa ----Demands Emergency End : Warns That ‘World is Watching’

The United States, stepping up its rhetorical attempt to influence the Pretoria government, called today for an end to the week-old state of emergency in South Africa, noting the suspension of civil liberties has failed to end the violence in black townships.

White House spokesman Larry Speakes, who on Monday blamed violence on the government’s policy of apartheid while avoiding criticism of the emergency declaration, announced today, “We want the state of emergency removed.”

“We call on the government of South Africa to act with the greatest restraint at this tense time,” the spokesman said, reading a statement two hours after President Reagan chaired his first National Security Council meeting since undergoing cancer surgery.

Although Speakes, as is customary, refused to say whether South Africa was discussed at the secret meeting in the President’s living quarters, he said the statement was consistent with Reagan’s views.

‘World Is Watching’

Saying the United States continues to oppose economic and political sanctions against South Africa, the spokesman said the Administration nonetheless regards it as “essential that the government in Pretoria respect the fundamental rights of all South Africans.”

“The world is watching how that government and the South African police conduct themselves,” Speakes said.

“The real cause of violence in South Africa is apartheid,” the spokesman said, strengthening his language from several days ago when he said the government’s racial policies were “largely responsible” for the outbreak.

“A lasting peace will take hold in the townships only when apartheid is dismantled,” Speakes added.

‘Continuing Violence’

Asked why, if the United States is concerned about suspension of civil liberties, it waited nearly a week to announce its opposition to the state of emergency, Speakes said the new position was prompted by the “continuing violence and bloodshed.”

He reiterated U.S. desires for talks between the South African government and black leaders and restated U.S. opposition to sanctions that the Administration contends would punish all South Africans, not just those who maintain white supremacy.

He said the United States will continue its policy of “constructive engagement,” which seeks to use public and private diplomacy to persuade the South African government to ease its policies.

Although he declined to state a formal U.S. position on a French resolution before the United Nations Security Council, Speakes said: “Our views on mandatory sanctions are well-known. To isolate South Africa economically and politically could lead to more violence and bloodshed.”

French Sanctions

France announced economic sanctions against South Africa earlier in the week, and there are moves in Congress for the United States to do likewise.

In a related development, South African President Pieter W. Botha indicated today in Johannesburg that he is willing to negotiate with Bishop Desmond Tutu over the state of emergency used to arrest and jail nearly 900 black dissidents in the past six days.

Botha, responding to a call by Nobel Peace Prize winner Tutu for negotiations on ending the state of emergency, said, “I am always willing to negotiate with anyone who does not propagate violence.”

Botha said a special Cabinet committee is holding talks with black community leaders on a broad range of topics. He said “anyone is free to approach the Cabinet committee or myself to make an appointment for discussions.”