356. Telegram From the Consulate in Cape Town to the Department of State, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Embassy in South Africa1
880. From Embassy Cape Town. Subject: SAG PNG’s DATT. Ref: Cape Town 878.2
1. S-Entire text
2. See reftel 878 for summary
3. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pik Botha called me in at 6:45 this evening, April 12, and reading from prepared notes, said that he had been instructed to inform me that the SAG has established that our DATT aircraft has been used for a conscious program of espionage. He said that they are in possession of photographs taken by a camera installed underneath the seat of the co-pilot which show that the aircraft has been used in a systematic program of photographing large areas of South Africa, including some very sensitive installations. The persons involved in the latest activity which had come to SAG notice were Colonel A. Crews, Major B. McConnell, and H.E. Wyatt.
4. The Minister said that it had also come to SAG notice that members of my mission were involved in other improper activities. These concerned attempts to manipulate members of the South African Defence Forces, through improper conduct to make sensitive information available to members of the Mission. The most shocking, blatant violation of national sovereignty, he said, was that involving the photographs and the aircraft.
5. Botha said that the South African Prime Minister would be making a statement on the matter this evening covering the aircraft and photographing but not the other activities. He then said that he wanted me to arrange for the departure of the three individuals concerned within 24 hours.
6. Botha stated that the privilege of maintaining an aircraft in South Africa is being withdrawn, along with certain other privileges and facilities (he may have meant overflight rights, but did not say so). He said the aircraft is to be removed from the country “at the earliest opportunity after our technicians have assured that on its outgo [Page 1082] ing flight it will not commit further violations of South African sovereignty.”
7. Botha said that the SAG has copies of the photographs taken from the plane and that the SAG had taken photos of the camera mechanism and the way it operated. He stated such photo activity was a violation of the agreement on the use of this aircraft.
8. Botha then referred to other improper activities which the SAG does not intend to divulge to the public and said these included: using pornographic literature in an effort to obtain classified information; seeking classified information from SADF personnel; making unauthorized visits to an air force base (unspecified); questioning members of the SADF about “Defense Force matters;” and stationing or landing the aircraft on SADF bases without appropriate authority.
9. At the end of his presentation, Botha asked if I was aware of these matters. I responded that I was aware of no “improper activities” on the part of my staff, but was greatly concerned at these very serious charges which would inevitably have an extremely adverse impact on our relations. I recognized the right of the SAG to declare anyone it wished persona non grata. I hoped he had very good evidence of his charges. I said that 24 hours was in any case very short notice. He said, “all right, 48 hours.” I said even that was too short, in United States we would give people at least a week. He said, “all right, make it a week.” I then said I found it also strange and of great concern that he was bringing this matter up just as South Africa begins its Easter weekend, and that the Prime Minister had chosen on such short notice to make it public. This was especially damaging in terms of our relationship, and I requested that the Prime Minister not make a public statement until I had had an opportunity to inform my government and obtain its instructions. He said he would pass on my request. When I asked if he had anything to give me in writing, he said he would try to give me something either this evening or in the morning. I repeated my request that the Prime Minister should refrain from making a public announcement on this until I could report to my government.3 Once again he said that he would report my request to the Prime Minister.
10. Preliminary comment: Since the SAG has long believed that the DAO Beech 200 and its predecessor C–47 were equipped with photographic equipment, it appears probable that action to PNG the Attaches was pre-planned. It is unlikely military intelligence or the Dept of National Security would have acted on their own to force entry [Page 1083] into the aircraft and lift the film without authorization from a very high level. The compilation of other allegations also suggests a prolonged effort to build a case against the Attaches, and the decision to go public with only pro forma warning indicates an ulterior political motive. It seems highly probable that this incident was staged as part of the SAG’s campaign to discredit the integrity of the US in dealing with the SAG and thus to justify South Africa’s expected refusal to proceed with implementation of the UN plan for Namibia. It will also fan strong anti-US sentiment within South Africa, distract domestic attention from the information scandal and set the stage for a xenophobic general election campaign perhaps shortly after this session of Parliament adjourns in June.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790177–0408. Secret; Niact Immediate.↩
- In telegram 878 from Cape Town, April 12, Edmondson provided a brief summary of the meeting with Botha. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790169–0061)↩
- In telegram 879 from Cape Town, April 12, the Embassy transmitted the text of Prime Minister Botha’s statement made on SABCTV at 8 p.m. on April 12. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P790169–0161)↩