Typed statement issued and signed by Nelson Mandela in his capacity as Secretary of the All-in-African National Action Council. The statement expresses disgust at the action of the authorities in closing the Fort Hare and Healdtown educational institutions, thereby victimising students for participating in a peaceful nation-wide protest (being a stay-away which was organised by the Council to coincide with South Africa's becoming a Republic on 31 May 1961). Includes covering note and envelope.