‘U.S. Quietly Aids S. African Blacks’

The article by Michael Parks (Nov. 11), “U.S. Quietly Aids S. African Black Activists,” is a welcome item in the dreary and depressing news that usually surrounds South Africa.

I have only one small bone to pick. The article states:

“While the Reagan Administration continues to defend its policy of ‘constructive engagement’ with Pretoria’s white-led minority government, millions of dollars authorized by Congress are going to scores of opposition groups to help finance their fight against apartheid.”

The impression is given that this Administration is preoccupied with idly defending policy while Congress is doing something concrete and helpful. This may seem a sensitive point, but, in the light of the controversy that has surrounded U.S. policy toward South Africa, it is important to point out that the programs that “quietly aid South African black activists” have been created, initiated and administered by the Reagan Administration.

In fact, the Administration has established programs to help those disadvantaged by apartheid since 1981. Thankfully, Congress has seen fit to authorize the funding for such initiatives.

Furthermore, no Administration has been more acutely aware that South Africa’s majority population requires encouragement and support.

In a population of approximately 23 million blacks only 500 are doctors, only 17 are dentists and there are virtually no paramedics or veterinarians.

Thus, the Reagan Administration has been endeavoring to rectify the wrongs of apartheid and create both a climate to hasten reform and build a strong foundation for the future.

Again, the article was an important contribution to informing the American public of a vital feature of our policy, but it is important not to allow a statement to mislead them about how this feature has been formulated.

It is high time that we put to rest the divisions that have existed in our own county regarding the policy on South Africa and unite to help facilitate reconciliation in that tormented land.

J. DOUGLAS HOLLADAY

Washington

Ambassador Holladay is director of the South Africa Working Group with the State Department.