McFarlane Hits S. Africa Sanctions Moves

SANTA BARBARA —  President Reagan’s national security adviser blasted some congressional proposals for sanctions against South Africa as “bad law” today, saying they would be harmful to the interests of blacks in the white-ruled nation.

Robert C. McFarlane made the comments to reporters at the beginning of a top-level Administration strategy session held at a seaside resort hotel here geared to mapping out the agenda for Reagan’s second term.

McFarlane said he does not know when South Africa will announce its expected package of reforms of its apartheid system but predicted it would be within the week.

Asked about congressional predictions that the reforms would not go far enough, McFarlane said he would not judge the moves until they are announced.

Asked whether the South African announcement would have any effect on Reagan’s decision whether to veto or sign any possible sanctions passed by Congress, he replied: “I think the President’s view as to what helps and what hurts is pretty much on the public record.

‘It’s Bad Law’

“It’s clear that a number of features of the current bill are harmful to the interests of blacks in South Africa. Consequently, it’s bad law in many respects,” McFarlane said.

The national security adviser added, “Surely, the announcement will have an effect in fostering or setting back the pace of change in South Africa, and that obviously will have an effect on the President’s thinking.”

McFarlane indicated, however, that Reagan’s opposition to sanctions in general remains strong. “His view of veto or signature of that bill won’t be altered, won’t be shaken in those convictions,” McFarlane said.

The House and Senate have both passed bills to impose economic sanctions, but the Senate has delayed final action on a compromise version until it returns from its August recess.