362. Summary of Conclusions of a Mini-Special Coordination Committee Meeting1

SUBJECT

  • Possible Nuclear Detonation in South Africa

PARTICIPANTS

  • Department of State

    • David Newsom, Under Secretary for Political Affairs
    • Gerard C. Smith, Ambassador-at-Large
    • William G. Bowdler, Director, Bureau of Intelligence & Research
    • Allen W. Locke, Deputy to Ambassador-at-Large Gerard Smith
    • Richard Moose, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
    • Department of Defense
    • Robert Murray, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and North African Affairs
  • Central Intelligence Agency

    • Bruce Clarke, Director of National Foreign Assessment Center
    • [name not declassified] Chairman, Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence Committee
    • John Despres, NIO/NP
  • Department of Energy

    • Harry Bergold, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs
  • National Security Council

    • Henry Owen, Chairman
    • William E. Odom
    • Jerry Schecter
    • Gerald Funk
    • Robert Rosenberg

1. Limited satellite detection information suggests that a nuclear explosion (1–3KT) probably occurred early Saturday morning in the south Atlantic, southern Indian Ocean, southern Africa, or Antarctica. Air debris collection now underway may give us greater assurance in the next few days as to whether this happened. It may take at least several weeks to find out the exact location of the explosion and its probable author. South Africa is the most likely candidate. At the moment, there is considerable uncertainty on both these points; we do not yet know whether it will be feasible to resolve this uncertainty.

2. Until we have greater assurance as to what happened, we should not take the initiative in releasing our information but should be pre[Page 1089]pared, if asked, to say that we have some information indicating that a low yield nuclear explosion may have occurred in this general area and are continuing to assess whether such an event has taken place.

3. We will share the facts described in paragraph 1 with the UK.

4. Stan Turner will share this information with the chairmen and, if he believes necessary, with the ranking minority members of the Senate and House Select Committees, which have a good record of security and whose leaders would expect this sharing.2

5. Every effort will be made to restrict circulation of this information and these decisions within the U.S. Government.

6. The State Department is refining its paper regarding the policy options among which the U.S. would have to choose in the event evidence confirms that a South African nuclear weapons detonation has occurred. This paper was discussed by the PRC and will be considered further.

  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 72, South Atlantic Nuclear Event: 9/79–6/80. Secret. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room.
  2. Carter wrote at the bottom of the page: “Share what information we have—in strictest confidence—with British and top 2 leaders in each select committee. Do not let any allegation leak to public until we are sure of facts. Do not let copies of papers be made or distributed except strict ‘need to know.’ Keep me informed. J. Carter.”