THREE DOCTORS' PACT", MARCH 9, 1947

"Joint Declaration of Cooperation" by
Dr. A. B. Xuma, President of the African National Congress, Dr. G.
M. Naicker, President of the
Natal Indian Congress, and Dr. Y. M. Dadoo, President of the Transvaal
Indian Congress, March 9, 1947

This Joint Meeting between the representatives of the African National Congress
and the Natal and Transvaal Indian Congresses, having fully realised the
urgency of cooperation between the Non-European peoples and other democratic
forces for the attainment of basic human rights and full citizenship for
all sections of the South African people, has resolved that a Joint Declaration
of cooperation is imperative for the working out of a practical basis of
cooperation between the national organisations of the Non-European peoples.

This Joint Meeting declares its sincerest conviction that for the future
progress, goodwill, good race relations, and for the building of a united,
greater and free South Africa, full franchise rights must be extended
to all sections of the South African people, and to this end this Joint
Meeting pledges the fullest cooperation between the African and Indian
peoples and appeals to all democratic and freedom-loving citizens of
South Africa to support fully and cooperate in this struggle for:

1) Full franchise.

2) Equal economic and industrial rights and opportunities and the recognition
of African trade unions under the Industrial Conciliation Act.

3) The removal of ail land restrictions against Non-Europeans and the
provision of adequate housing facilities for all Non-Europeans.

4) The extension of free and compulsory education to Non-Europeans.

5) Guaranteeing freedom of movement and the abolition of Pass Laws against
the African people and the Provincial barriers against Indians.

6) And the removal of all discriminatory and oppressive legislations
from the Union's statute book.

This Joint Meeting is therefore of the opinion that for the attainment
of these objects it is urgently necessary that a vigorous campaign be
immediately launched and that every effort be made to compel the Union
Government to implement the United Nations' decisions and to treat the
Non-European peoples in South Africa in conformity with the principles
of the United Nations Charter.

This Joint Meeting further resolves to meet from time to time to implement
this Declaration and to take active steps in proceeding with the campaign.

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