Gulf Redux May Shed More Heat Than Light

Harvard's Angela envoy, Stephen B. Farber '63, released a report on Gulf and Angela which is likely to bring the issue of the University's ownership of 700,000 shares of Gulf Oil Corporation stock back into the heat of controversy.

Farber's 11,000-word report, which be termed an termed an "even-handed, factual inquiry," concluded that a sale of the University's Gulf stock would be "a symbolic rather than a practical act," and world "appear to have no practical effect in advancing the independence of black Angolans."

With regard to the demand that Gulf withdraw draw from Angola. Farber reported that "the impact of a Gulf withdrawal on the production of oil at Cabinda, on revenues to the government on other foreign investors Angola and on government policis would be extremely limited.

Farber's report thus supports the position taken by the Corporation last April to retain the University's stock. In doing so, it is likely to fire once again the anger of the 34 black protesters who occupied Massachusetts Hall.

Although representatives of the two groups that sponsored last year's occupation--the Pan African Liberation Committee and Afro-have expressed strong disapproval and disagreement with Farber's report, neither group his yet disclosed plan of action to press their of further.

Farber's says that the University has several other possible courses of action from selling the stock. He points to several areas where Gulf could be influenced to change its practice such as stitch as hiring and benefits for black African employees, charitable donations and new investment in Angola.

Farber's says Harvard could also work for the improvement of social conditions in Angola outside of its role is a Gulf stockholder. The University could improve its African studies programs, create new and better research and training program in African affairs, and establish relationships with black African institutions he suggests.

Farber's also points to action individual could take outside of the University. Whether Harvard's blacks will use Farber's suggestions, or other means, to demonstrate their commitment will become apparent in the next few weeks.