Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

745A.00/7–1152

Memorandum by the Director of the Office of British Commonwealth and Northern European Affairs (Raynor) to R. Gordon Arneson, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State¹

confidential

[Washington,] July 18, 1952.

South African Political Situation

I refer to your memorandum of July 11² stating that the Atomic Energy Commission has asked the Department for a statement whether the political disturbances in South Africa might affect our uranium ore procurement program in that area.

Tension has been growing in South Africa since controversy has arisen between the two white factions in the country over the interpretation of certain clauses in the South Africa Act.³ The division in the white population has augmented the unrest already demonstrated by the non-white population following the enactment of certain legislation designed by the government to implement its policy of separation of the races. The fact that a General Election has been scheduled for May 1953 has added pre-election fever to the already tense situation.

It is impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy the turn of events which might occur in South Africa during the next few years. Our military attaché in the Union is of the opinion that internal security has been threatened by the division in the ranks of the white population over the constitutional issue. The greatest danger appears to lie in the possibility of clashes between the youth elements of the Torch Commando (anti-government) and of the Skiet Commando (pro-government). At political rallies so far, however, the Torch Commando has exercised planned restraint to avoid open clashes which might have serious consequences. In addition, there have been no serious consequences arising from the mass defiance campaign by the non-whites on June 6.

If the situation thus remains controlled, the danger of a threat to internal security will be considerably lessened. The South African police force is an effective unit which, it is believed, will be able to control any disturbances unless civil war should break out. While such eventuality cannot at this time be completely discounted, it is an improbability.

In summary, as far as can be foreseen at present, it is unlikely that the political disturbances in the Union of South Africa will affect our uranium ore procurement program in that area.

We believe this statement is consistent with the views held by Ambassador Gallman as we interpret and evaluate his reports. In view of the importance of the question, however, we are sending a copy by air to the Ambassador asking for his comments.⁴ I suggest in forwarding this to the Atomic Energy Commission you point out that, if the Ambassador currently feels any of this should be modified or changed, we will advise further.

1. This memorandum was drafted by Thoreson (BNA).
2. Not printed. (745A.00/7–1152)
3. Reference is to the constitution of the Union of South Africa, adopted in 1909.
4. On July 30, 1952, Ambassador Gallman, in a letter to Thoreson, confirmed that “the memorandum of July 18 in my opinion is an accurate and sound summary statement of the situation as it exists today.” (745A.00/7–1152)