Skip to content

November 19, 1971

South African Nuclear Fuel Agreement

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

U.S. State Department memorandum weighing the arguments for and against renewing the agreement to sell uranium enrichment services to South Africa. The political fallout from engaging with the South African apartheid regime coupled with the fact that they had not signed the NPT were closely considered.



Related Documents

April 3, 1975

Israel-South Africa Agreement (ISSA)

Agreement between the South African and Israeli Ministers of Defense that outlines the two nations’ cooperation on nuclear issues.

May 1967

South African Department of Foreign Affairs, 'Items of Interest in the Field of Atomic Energy'

Summary of the communication between South African and American policymakers regarding the renewal of the Atomic Energy Cooperation Agreement. The renewal of the previous agreement was contingent on South Africa reforming its safeguards policy and modeling them after the Canadian and US policies.

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.”

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 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

Obtained and contributed by Anna-Mart van Wyk, Monash South Africa

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

Memorandum

Language

Record ID

114144

Original Classification

Confidential

Donors

Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)