The PDF of Crisis of Conscience is available online. I jumped to chapter 6, “Double Standards” and examined the situation regarding Jehovah's Witnesses position in Malawi and the mandatory requirement to buy a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) card. I may have missed something, but it should be glaringly obvious what took place here. My response isn't apologetics, just a logical response to what I read.
The Witnesses in Malawi never petitioned the Watchtower Society headquarters in reference to their stand on political neutrality and the WTS never made any direct statements to the Witnesses in Malawi about the specific direction they should take. The WTS basically took a stance of individualism on the part of themselves and others while giving do recognition to the stand the Malawian Witnesses took.
On one occasion, Malcolm Vigo was requested by some party officials to visit a brother from the Jumbe Congregation who had been arrested for refusing to buy a party card. Before entering the room, Brother Vigo prayed silently. It was obvious from the outset that these officials were hoping that Brother Vigo would tell them that the Watch Tower Society had clearly told its members that it was wrong to buy party cards. Instead, he stressed that the Society does not tell anyone what to do and that each person must make his own decision on the matter. The party officials were not happy with this explanation. Questions were fired from all sides. In their eagerness to trip him up, the officials would pose another question even before Brother Vigo had answered the previous one. After two hours of questioning, the brother was finally released. No party card had been bought. Yearbook 1999 pp. 176-178
It is because Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to buy the Malawi Congress Party card. This card declares the holder to be a member of the ruling political party of Malawi. But for Jehovah’s Witnesses to buy a political card and thus join a political party would be an open denial of what they believe and stand for. Awake 08/08/1976 p.5
What they believe and stand for is not necessarily what others stand for. The Witnesses in Mexico directly queried the headquarters in Brooklyn, NY.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/malawi-mexico-oath-allegiance.php
June 2, 1960
“As to those who are relieved of military training by a money transaction with the officials who are involved therewith, this is on par with what is done in other Latin American countries where brothers have paid for their relief through some military official in order to retain their freedom for theocratic activities. If members of the military establishment are willing to accept such an arrangement upon the payment of a fee then that is the responsibility of these representatives of the national organization. In such a case the money paid does not go to the military establishment, but is appropriated by the individual who undertakes the arrangement. If the consciences of certain brothers allow them to enter into such an arrangement for their continued freedom we have no objection. Of course, if they would get into any difficulties over their course of action then they would have to shoulder such difficulties themselves, and we could not offer them any assistance. But if the arrangement is current down there and is recognized by the inspectors who do not make any inquiries into the veracity of the matter then the matter can be passed by for the accruing advantages. Should a military emergency arise and confront these brothers with their marching card it would oblige them to make a decision by which they could not extricate themselves by a money payment and their mettle would be tested and they would have to demonstrate outright where they stand and prove that they are in favor of Christian neutrality in a determined test.
Faithfully yours in the Kingdom ministry,
Watchtower B.&T. Society
of Pennsylvania
September 5, 1969
Not that we are giving our approval in this matter, but it is their conscience, not ours, that has allowed them to take the course of action they have taken.
We cannot decide the lives of everyone in the world.
Watchtower B.&T. Society
of Pennsylvania
It seems the Watchtower headquarters yielded to a position for the allowance of individuals based on their own conscience and decision making capacity, to evade persecution or stand up to it, without interference from the WTS and to not use the governing body as a culprit.