322. Letter From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Duncan) to the Chief of the South African Defense Force (Malan)1
Nearly two years ago Admiral Holloway Informed General Armstrong of our willingness to consider favorably an application for a study of South Africa’s requirements for an improved naval surveillance capability for your coastal waters and harbors.2 I understand this study has now been completed.
US authorities have reviewed this program in the light of recent developments in Southern Africa and have concluded that further cooperation would not be appropriate at this time. As a result, we will be unable to approve any new export license applications in this area.
I deeply regret the situation that has forced us to reevaluate this program and hope most sincerely that the impediments to closer cooperation between our two countries can soon be removed and the cordial relationship that has characterized past activities between our two peoples fully restored.
Sincerely,
- Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, Office of the Secretary of Defense, FRC 330–80–0037, South Africa 1977. Top Secret.↩
- See Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa, Document 81.↩