TEL 20. Mar. 92 17: 34 No. 032 P. 01/
PRIME MINISTER ] 30/
MESSAGES8 TO PRESIDENT DE KLERK AND DR NELSON MANDELA
The following are text$ of messages sent today by the Prime
Minister to President F W De Kierk and
Dr Nelson Mandela following the recent South African
referendum con political reform.
Message to President De Kierc
I would like to express to you personally my pleasure,
and that of the people of Australia, at the outstanding
result in the March 17 referendum. The overwhelming
' yes' vote, as well as the unprecedented voter turnout,
put beyond doubt the wish of white South Africans
to see the reform process continued,
The vote is, also a singular tribute to your own courage
and perseverance and to that of the others on all sides
of South African politics who have been involved in
initiating and pursuing the historic reforms which are
now underway in your country.
Australians have been watching with great interest
and not a little dismay given their winning form the
exploits of your cricketers in the World Cup series.
It has -been a welcome reminder for us all of the
benefits of South Africa's return to full participation
in the intercnational community.
I am sure the referendum result will have greatly
improved the prospects for progress at the next meeting
of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa. I am
confident that continued progress towards the adoption
of a democratic non-racial constitution will permit
further early moves towards the full restoration of
commercial and economic relations between our two
countries.
2
Message to Dr Mandela
I shared your relief and satisfaction at the result of
the March 17 referendum. It is encouraging to know
that the great majority of the white population in
South Africa appreciates the urgent need for reform,
and supports the historic process on which you,
President de Kierk and other South African leaders are
embarked. I am sure the referendum result will have greatly
improved the prospects for progress at the next meeting
of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa. I am
confident that continued progress towards the adoption
of a democratic non-racial constitution will permit
further early moves towards the full restoration of
commercial and economic relations between our two
countries. I wish you' and your colleagues well as you enter what
we all hope will be the final Stages in the dismantling
of apartheid and the establishment of a truly
democratic and non-racial South Africa.
CANBERRA March 1992