Ford Co. Executive Defends His Firm’s Role in S. Africa
WASHINGTON — A Ford Motor Company vice president today defended the auto maker’s continued operation in South Africa but said he would favor pulling out if ultra-right-wingers took power.
“However slow and uneven the pace of racial reform, American affiliates can make a greater contribution by their presence than by withdrawal,” William Broderick told the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on African affairs.
Asked if there were circumstances under which it would be inappropriate for American corporations to remain in South Africa, Broderick replied, “I think the answer to that question is clearly yes.”
“The harder thing to define is what those circumstances might be,” he said but added that he would favor pulling out if, for example, ultra-right-wing parties took power.
Broderick added that the Reagan Administration could adopt policies that would speed change in South Africa.
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