Cable Briefs (Press, 25 November 1981)

On 25 November 1981, major news stories included a declaration of total war against white supremacy by the Azanian People’s Organisation (A.Z.A.P.O.) in South Africa. The A.Z.A.P.O. leader, Khehlka Mtembu, stated that peaceful change was no longer an option after the death of former activist Isaac Muofhe in police custody. This announcement followed Muofhe's arrest after an attack on a police station in Venda. In Denmark, Mogens Glistrup, the leader of an anti-tax party, was sentenced to four years in prison and fined $683,100 for tax fraud. The millionaire lawyer claimed political persecution and intended to appeal the decision. Glistrup gained prominence for his criticism of Denmark's tax system through television programmes. In the UK, a retrial is set for the Danby family, who were evicted from their home after 16 years. The Court of Appeal overturned a 1979 ruling that permitted the solicitor who sold them the cottage to buy it back at the original price from 1965, which was significantly lower than its current market value. Reports from northern Pakistan highlighted the dangers of anti-personnel mines disguised as toys, which injured at least 14 young men. The mines were part of attacks by Afghan forces, which also targeted refugee camps, resulting in fatalities among Afghans and Pakistani soldiers. In the United States, White House press secretary James Brady was discharged from the hospital eight months after sustaining severe injuries in an assassination attempt on President Reagan. Brady, who experienced significant brain damage and partial paralysis, will continue to require medical care. The Supreme Court in Australia commenced retrial proceedings for a woman previously convicted of murdering her husband with an axe. Her conviction was overturned last month after it was revealed she acted upon discovering his abusive relationship with their daughters. In Baltimore, a researcher was convicted of animal cruelty involving monkeys used in experiments. Dr Edward Taub was fined for the mistreatment of the animals, which suffered due to his nerve-cutting procedures intended to advance understanding of diseases. In London, Ken Livingstone faced backlash for a proposed grant to a homosexual youth club, with opponents claiming the funding could condone illegal activity, given the 21-year age limit for homosexual acts in Britain. Spain reported its worst drought of the 20th century, leading to approximately $1.5 billion in agricultural losses across regions such as Extremadura and Andalusia, severely impacting grain and livestock production. Finally, a draft resolution for a treaty banning the neutron bomb was approved by a United Nations General Assembly committee, though it passed with only slightly more than a majority of votes. This proposal, led by various Eastern Bloc countries, warned that such weapons could escalate the arms race and lead to nuclear conflict.

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