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December 27, 1994

South African Legal Opinion on Article X.2 of the NPT

Legal analysis of Article X.2, which states that after 25 years the treaty takes force (in 1970), treaty members will hold a conference to determine if the NPT will be extended indefinitely or for an additional fixed period(s).

May 15, 1981

Notes on Meeting between South African Minister of Foreign Affairs R. F. Botha and US President Reagan

South African Minister of Foreign Affairs "Pik" Botha and President Reagan meet in Washington, DC. South African Ambassador Sole, the note taker, interprets Reagan's friendly opening comments as "the inference clearly being that he had no illusions about democratic rule in Africa." They discuss the situation in Namibia and Angola, and their shared opposition to Soviet and communist influence in the region. Botha also asks Reagan to help South Africa's souring relations with France regarding nuclear cooperation. Botha states that "South Africa was not preparing or intending to explode a nuclear device, but[...] could not afford publicly to surrender this option."

September 30, 1977

Draft letter and Aide Memoire from South African Foreign Minister R.F. Botha to US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance

South African Foreign Minister R.F. Botha writes to the US Secretary of State disputing accusations that South Africa is developing nuclear weapons.

October 1977

Letter from South African Prime Minister Vorster to US President Carter on US-South Africa Relations

South African Prime Minister Vorster denies the existence of a South African nuclear program and lists hostile steps taken by the United States to exclude South Africa from international nuclear and atomic energy groups. He concludes that "it would seem... the United States officially holds the view that stability in Southern Africa and the future of our country is to be sacrificed in the hope of stopping Soviet expansionism."

November 17, 1989

Memorandum, Richard Carter, South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'Main Points Arising from Luncheon on 14 November 1989' with Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC)

A memorandum outlining AEC and Armscor arguments regarding nuclear weapons development and NPT accession. Includes discussion of implications should the African National Congress gain power in government, decontamination of enrichment sites and degradation of previously enriched materials.

September 1, 1988

Report, South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'A Balanced Approach to the NPT: Armscor/AEC Concerns Viewed from a DFA Standpoint'

Analysis of South Africa's stance on the NPT, particularly in light of ARMSCOR and AEC concerns. Calls for a “strategy of uncertainty” to obfuscate South Africa’s perceived nuclear weapons capability.

March 1981

South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'Directive for Discussions of Nuclear Matters with United States Authorities'

A memorandum in advance of a meeting between U.S. and South African policymakers which outlines South Africa’s intention to adhere to the principles and spirit of the NPT, and concerns about the supply of fuel for the Koeberg and SAFARI-1 reactors

March 18, 1967

South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'Nuclear Proliferation Problem'

Summary of the United States-South Africa Atomic Energy Bilateral. South Africa's sale of source material to France was the subject of some disagreement between the two parties, with the Americans worried that sale of this material would be in violation of the non-proliferation treaty.