Skip to content

August 18, 1977

Letter, US Ambassador Bowlder to South African Foreign Minister Botha

This document was made possible with support from Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)

Message from U.S. Ambassador Bowdler to the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Botha in which President Carter’s warning that the detonation of a South African nuclear device would have “most serious consequences” for U.S.-South African relations was conveyed.

Author(s):

Associated Places

Associated Topics

Subjects Discussed

Related Documents

July 20, 1970

South African Department of Foreign Affairs, Announcement by South African Prime Minister Vorster

Announcement by South African Prime Minister Vorster outlines the country’s approach to marketing and selling enriched uranium. He describes a unique process by which South African scientists can create a highly enriched “uranium concentrate.”

August 18, 1977

South African Ambassador to France, 'Unofficial Translation of French Aide-Memoire'

Statement from the French embassy in South Africa reaffirming their position that South Africa not pursue a nuclear weapon. Specifically, France sought a clear statement from the South African government that they not "endow [themselves] with means of proceeding with nuclear explosions” or risk continued French-South African cooperation in several areas.

August 19, 1977

Letter, US Secretary of State Vance to South African Foreign Minister Botha

US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance explains the evidence which lead the US to suspect that South Africa was developing nuclear weapons and developing a testing site in the Kalahari Desert.

March 20, 1981

Report, South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'South African-United States' Nuclear Relations'

Background on US-South African nuclear relations and uranium cooperation from the end of the Second World War to the early 1980s. Also addressed is the Vela incident of September 1979 and the international community’s backlash against the South African government.

Document Information

Source

South African Foreign Affairs Archives, Brand Fourie, Atomic Energy, File 2/5/2/1, Vol 1, Vol 2. Obtained and contributed by Anna-Mart van Wyk, Monash South Africa.

Original Archive

Rights

The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.

To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at HAPP@wilsoncenter.org.

Original Uploaded Date

2012-05-22

Type

Message

Language

Record ID

114150

Donors

Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)