Communism in South Africa

The article "South Africa Communists Prospect Bold New Role," Dec. 10, makes me recall an observation made five years ago and attributed to Lord Chalfont, a minister in a former British Labour government: "If the ANC has its way, [South Africa] will be a one-party, communist-dominated state; and like most regimes which gain power by terror, it is likely to perpetuate itself by the same means."Since it appears that the ANC (African National Congress) will gain power in Africa sooner or later, and with South African Communist Party membership increasing dramatically, it seems that Lord Chalfont's forecast was remarkably farsighted. Earl E. Eigabroadt, Port Orchard, Wash. Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.