Harald Langmead Taylor Taswell

Harald Langmead Taylor Taswell served as South Africa’s high commissioner in Salisbury before his Washington appointment. During the Congo crisis of 1960–1961, his dispatches supported Roy Welensky’s defence of white political control in southern Africa. He urged Pretoria to assist Katanga’s secessionist government, arguing that its defeat would increase pressure on the Rhodesias and South Africa. ⁵

Taswell presented credentials as ambassador to the United States on 24 February 1965. That September he delivered Foreign Minister Hilgard Muller’s warning that four American officers in South Africa could be expelled if further difficulties arose. Secretary of State Dean Rusk had found no evidence of improper conduct. When Taswell clarified the threat, Rusk said he would prefer formal action to informal pressure. ^{1, 2}

In December 1969 Taswell discussed Arthur Ashe’s application for a South African visa with Assistant Secretary of State David Newsom. He promised to transmit the American request and said he hoped the visa would be issued, but cited statements attributed to Ashe and the approaching South African election as obstacles. Newsom disputed those allegations and urged Pretoria to admit the tennis player. ³

The conversation also addressed restrictions faced by Black Americans visiting South Africa. Taswell pointed to visiting athletes but acknowledged the difficulties caused by discriminatory rules. His Washington posting ended in August 1971. ^{3, 4}