Arizona Sun

Nation-wide Appeal Made For South African Defense Fund

A nationwide appeal, headed by John Gunther and the Very Reverend James A. Pike, was launched today to aid 160 South Africans charged with treason.

In an appeal letter, announcing the creation of the South Africa Defense Fund, Mr. Gunther said:

"There is much more at stake than the guilt or innocence of 160 persons in South Africa; we are witnessing a test of enormously important values to the free nations of the world."

The letter goes on to point out that "any man, woman or child, black or white, who advocates democracy based on equality of rights may be branded, according to South African law, a communist or a traitor."

The South Africa Defense Fund is being administered by the American Committee on Africa, Inc.

Its initial goal in the United States and Canada is $100,000. The fund was created at the request of outstanding South Africans who oppose Apartheid, including Bishop Ambrose Reeves of Johannesburg, author Alan Paton, and Father Trevor Huddleston. Bishop Reeves is chairman of the defense fund in South Africa, through which funds collected by the American defense fund will be channeled.

The South Africa committee has informed Dean Pike and Mr. Gunther that their initial needs are estimated at $280,000 (£100,000). Because the trials are expected to last for a year or more, further funds will be required later, they noted.

The announcement states that the money will be used in two ways: first "to help provide those under arrest with the best possible legal defense," and, second, "to help meet the critical needs faced by their families."

In addition to Mr. Gunther, the author of the recently published book, Inside Africa, and the Very Rev. James A. Pike, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, who are co-chairmen, other sponsors of the South Africa Defense Fund include: Eleanor Roosevelt, Sarah Gibson Blading, Harry Emerson Fosdick, James B. Carey and Lewis Mumford.

Mr. Gunther continued: "Because I believe the crisis in South Africa to be so dangerous and the situation there so obnoxious to all people of good will, I have accepted co-chairmanship of this Defense Fund."

Mr. Gunther went on to urge all Americans to help the fund with generous contributions.

Contributions are being received at South Africa Defense Fund Headquarters, 4 West 40th St., New York City. Mr. George M. Houser is Secretary of the American Fund.