With Reservations, U.S. Approves End of South Africa’s Pass Laws

The United States on Thursday hailed South Africa’s decision to end legal restrictions on the free movement of blacks as a major milestone on the road to ending the country’s apartheid system of racial separation.

But State Department spokesman Charles Redman hedged his warm welcome of the reforms--proposed Wednesday and already partly carried out--with a demand for full implementation to prove Pretoria’s commitment and with a reservation of judgment on the long-term implications of the moves.

He also made clear that the abolition of apartheid remains Washington’s goal and that the reforms should lead to complete residential integration.

‘A Major Milestone’

“We regard the acceptance of freedom of movement to and within urban areas for all South African citizens on a non-discriminatory basis as a major milestone on the road away from apartheid,” Redman told reporters.

He said Washington is particularly pleased at the abolition of the pass laws, under which blacks had to carry a passbook that determined where they could live and work. The documents were perhaps the most hated symbol of apartheid.

“Repeal of the pass laws, issuing a common identify document and other proposals announced by the South African government promise perhaps the most conspicuous discarding of discriminatory laws in recent South African history,” he said.

“The effectiveness of these steps in lending credibility to the South African government’s stated policies of reform and encouraging political dialogue will now depend on quick implementation of these announcements.”

South African President Pieter W. Botha said last week that those jailed for breaching the laws would be freed and no more arrests made.