Pollycassandra

Just before starting to write this page, I happened to pick up the Feb. 28 issue of the New Leader which, by hiding in an obscure corner, had survived. (The New Leader, I note for those not acquainted with it, is the best of our “nonCommunist left” opinion magazines —which is not saying much.) The lead article, date-lined London, is “Showdown in Southern Africa” by somebody or other named Russell Warren Howe, identified as one “who travels widely in Africa, is currently on a Ford press fellowship.” Its text is absolute nonsense hopped up with routine non-Communist-left rhetoric:

“The exemplary effectiveness” of Wilson’s sanctions against Rhodesia has brought him “within a few months of victory.” “The success of the sanctions — now generally acknowledged” is going to bring “the showdown this year so avidly sought by Africa’s black leadership.” “The Pentagon, White House sources indicate, would . . . have preferred [military action] to sanctions.” The UN is going to adopt—“this summer”—an African proposal “imposing oil and other embargoes on Portuguese Africa and South Africa.” The South African Communist Party “will undoubtedly feel encouraged to step up its current program of selective sabotage.”

Just before starting to write this page, I happened to pick up the Feb. 28 issue of the New Leader which, by hiding in an obscure corner, had survived. (The New Leader, I note for those not acquainted with it, is the best of our “nonCommunist left” opinion magazines —which is not saying much.) The lead article, date-lined London, is “Showdown in Southern Africa” by somebody or other named Russell Warren Howe, identified as one “who travels widely in Africa, is currently on a Ford press fellowship.” Its text is absolute nonsense hopped up with routine non-Communist-left rhetoric:

“The exemplary effectiveness” of Wilson’s sanctions against Rhodesia has brought him “within a few months of victory.” “The success of the sanctions — now generally acknowledged” is going to bring “the showdown this year so avidly sought by Africa’s black leadership.” “The Pentagon, White House sources indicate, would . . . have preferred [military action] to sanctions.” The UN is going to adopt—“this summer”—an African proposal “imposing oil and other embargoes on Portuguese Africa and South Africa.” The South African Communist Party “will undoubtedly feel encouraged to step up its current program of selective sabotage.”