745A.00/4–2153: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Union of South Africa, at Pretoria1
149. For the Ambassador. As you know Dept has long been concerned by developing racial friction South Africa which can well lead domestic instability encroachment of Communism and at worse to most serious type of situation which would have international as well as domestic repercussions. Dept has also long felt as you know that this type of problem largely domestic is one on which direct representations by this or other foreign governments would not only be useless but very probably counter-productive. However Dept wondering if present might [Page 996] not be one occasion which may not reoccur when you might appropriately make certain informal comments to Malan in course congratulations electoral victory. Dept thinking of very informal approach prefaced by ample statements we recognize South Africa’s problems are domestic responsibility but that in interdependent free world we cannot escape involvement. Thus, our behind scenes efforts at UN to get Arab-Asian apartheid resolution withdrawn or modified were criticized as dictated by US strategic and economic interests South Africa, and even Exim loan to ESCOM2 has been attacked as abetting suppression natives.
Because of friendship we feel for South Africa (which we believe has tremendous capacity for economic development and potential under favorable circumstances for discharging continent-wide responsibilities) we are deeply concerned over developments. Moreover US has important private investments but businessmen are becoming increasingly anxious re racial situation as it affects stability of industry. US Government especially concerned with stability connection uranium operations. Furthermore we have been worried re international implications not only those of past which have clouded South Africa’s participation in UN and increased difficulty of orienting new Asian nations to the West but also with possible repercussions elsewhere in Africa should serious trouble develop in the Union.
Should Malan raise issue US press reactions election result you may assure him hostile editorials such as N.Y. Times April 17 entitled “Victory for Evil” in no way inspired by Dept but reflect view US public opinion apparent retrogressive tendency racial policy in Union. Might mention US observers particularly shocked at “black peril” and Mau Mau themes in election campaign which must surely enflame passions both sides.
Approach could then continue along line now Malan has increased his majority and defiance campaign subsided he is in unique position lead from strength in wise statesmanship. Could he not now take steps which would result in easing tensions? You could say it is not for us suggest what steps should be taken but that we believe there must be some (e.g. some dramatic move to improve native housing or consultation with “National Minded” faction of ANC3) which would be politically feasible and have quieting results both in SoAfr and abroad.
Such an approach could be made as based on instructions pointing out that you were asked express these views informally and not by [Page 997] way of formal representation. Alternatively it might be better you make them on your own indicating you are not instructed in the premises but are confident views you expressed are those Washington. Additional points to include will undoubtedly suggest themselves to you.
In your discretion you are authorized carry out approach either basis. If you think an approach of different type would be more effective Dept would appreciate your views and also would desire your views if you feel as you well may that even this particular time approach of this general nature would be unwise.
- This telegram was drafted by Raynor (BNA) and Lee (BNA), approved by Raynor, and cleared by Hickerson (UNA). Telegram also sent to London.↩
- Reference is to the Export-Import Bank loan to the Electricity Supply Commission of the Union of South Africa. See footnote 7, p. 904.↩
- Reference is to the African National Congress, a voluntary political organization which sought to advance the interests of Black South Africans.↩