Nominee Backs Sanctions as ‘Law of Land’

Edward J. Perkins, President Reagan’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, told senators Monday that, if confirmed, he would help enforce congressionally imposed sanctions against that racially divided nation because “it is the law of our land.”

Perkins, who would be the first black U.S. envoy to South Africa, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he sees “no difference between the executive branch and Congress on what those (American) objectives and interests are” in Pretoria, despite “recent disagreements over the most appropriate means by which to pursue them.”

Perkins pledged that he would follow the will of Congress as “a clear expression of the American people,” even though Reagan vetoed the tough congressional sanctions--an act that the House and Senate overrode last week by large margins.

Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton (D-Mo.), a committee member, asked Perkins if he would “forcefully inform the South African government . . . of the need for action now” to eliminate its apartheid system of racial segregation, which prompted the economic sanctions.

“The answer is yes, senator,” Perkins replied, adding that he would attempt to explain U.S. attitudes and policies to officials in Pretoria as well as listen to their views.

In trying to make Reagan’s veto of the sanctions hold up, the Administration apparently had hoped that the designation of a black ambassador would help soften congressional resolve for economic penalties against South Africa and serve as a sufficient gesture against apartheid.

But on Monday, Perkins appeared to satisfy any qualms among panel members that he would stand by the measures.

Sen. Nancy L. Kassebaum (R--Kan.), the acting committee chairman, commended Perkins for his responses to their questions and predicted that the committee soon would recommend his confirmation to the full Senate.

Perkins, 58, a career diplomat who has been ambassador to Liberia for the past year, said that he would “do everything in my power to advance U.S. interests in the Republic of South Africa” and to “play a role in helping South Africans move their nation” away from internal conflict.

The new sanctions legislation calls on the Administration to persuade the government to release all black political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, leader of the outlawed African National Congress, and to end the state of emergency.