Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

652. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

Washington, January 17, 1968, 1852Z.

99988. Subj: Light Aircraft Sales to South Africa.

1. Dept has reviewed all aspects problem of sale of light aircraft and components to SA, keeping in mind our desire to maintain even-handed application of US arms embargo policy as it affects third countries. Consistent with our (a) original denial of Cessna aircraft to SA Air Force, (b) subsequent efforts resulting in prevention of sale of Beagles and Mysteres, which contain US origin components and were intended in part as substitute for Cessnas and (c) reaffirmation of Cessna denial, we have decided as follows:

2. For Rome—Emb should inquire with appropriate Italian officials re status of alleged SA efforts to obtain Piaggio and other light aircraft. Emb should explain basis US concern results from our earlier denial Cessna aircraft which destined for SA military to be used in part for police purposes and, therefore, sale inconsistent with US implementation of UNSC arms embargo against SA. US informed all parties including SAG, British, French and American manufacturers, that US would have no objection to the sale of US aircraft or aircraft containing US components provided the aircraft were (a) of civilian type, (b) registered and operated by a civilian entity, (c) not flown by active duty military personnel and (d) were to be utilized only for civilian purposes such as transport of government and other officials. Because of failure to meet these criteria, US took position that in event Beagle or Mystere sale consummated and subsequent application made for license to export US made engines or spares for these items for South African military, US would be obliged to deny such application. Further, U.S. would be obliged to scrutinize closely and subsequent application for license to export to Piaggio of U.S. made engines and spare parts.

3. GOI will understand that in light history of this situation, which we believe known to Italian manufacturers, sale of Piaggio and Italian light aircraft containing US origin engines and components would constitute circumvention US efforts to implement UNSC arms embargo and would give unfair competitive advantage to Italian manufacturers, thus creating difficulties for US in relations with British, French and US manufacturers.

4. Drawing on above, Emb should discourage Italian aircraft sales containing U.S. origin engines and components for use by South African military.

5. For Pretoria—US will inform SAG in letter to Muller, to be handed to Taswell shortly, that US will make no change in policy respecting light aircraft sale to SA including specifically the Mysteres. FYI: This decision taken apart from current high level Dept review of broad policy question involving sales by third countries. End FYI.

6. For London—Stonehouse (British MinEc) being informed above actions in reply to letter reported London 4171.²

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 12–5 S AFR. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted by McHenry and Jacobs on December 5, 1967; cleared by Irving Cheslaw of EUR/BMI, Deputy Legal Adviser Murray J. Belman, Seymour S. Goodman of E, Burns of Commerce, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Politico-Military Affairs Philip J. Farley, Rush W. Taylor of EUR/AIS, Gleysteen, and Clark; and approved by Katzenbach. Also sent to Pretoria and Rome, and repeated to Johannesburg, Ottawa, Paris, and USUN.
2. Dated November 24, 1967. (Ibid., AV 12–2 S AFR)