51. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
1167. Capetown for Embassy. “Agreed Working Paper” From NY Meetings on Western Approach to SAG on Namibia. USUN 1166.2
1. Following is “agreed working paper” developed in Western Five experts’ meeting in NY (reftel):
[Page 115]A. Objectives
Objectives of initial talks with South Africa should be:
First, to obtain S.A. agreement that purpose of negotiations will be to develop an internationally acceptable settlement consistent with SC Res 385;
Second, parties primarily concerned must be provided with opportunity to participate in development of any settlement;
Third, all parties concerned must avoid steps which will foreclose possibility of arranging an internationally acceptable solution. Consequently, it is essential that S.A. suspend implementation of Turnhalle constitution.
B. Venue and timing
It was agreed that talks should begin in Cape Town on April 27. Venue of future talks remains to be decided.
C. Participation
(1) Initial participants in talks should be Canada, France, Federal Republic of Germany, UK and USA, together with S.A.;
(2) There would be subsequent participation by Namibian political groups (including those represented at Turnhalle and SWAPO), and UN SYG.
D. Role of other states
Influential African states such as Front Line States and Nigeria could play an important role.
E. Indicative elements of a political process in Namibia consistent with Security Council Res 385 (to be presented orally)
1. Preamble
Five govts do not propose to negotiate with the SAG a scenario for a political process in Namibia that would be compatible with SC Res 385. This is task of SA Govt with parties mainly involved.
However Five, each of which is represented in SC, would work to obtain a fair hearing for a political process that they could honestly appraise as being consistent with Res 385.
Five recognize that SAG has made right decision in treating international territory of Namibia as entitled to unitary and independent nationhood. Five also recognize that SAG has an important role to play in process of bringing Namibia to independence.
Five consider that a political process for Namibia which could gain wide acceptance would include, but not be limited to, those elements listed below. Elements suggested are illustrative only; undoubtedly [Page 116] alternatives could be devised by SAG and others. Any serious proposal for an internationally acceptable political process would have to be considered as a whole in order for those mainly concerned to be able to make a reasoned judgement as to its acceptability.
2. Elections
Elections would be held for a new Constituent Assembly whose task would be drawing up of a constitution for Namibia. There are a variety of ways to conduct electoral process. One adult/one vote would be its basis; other factors might be introduced to accommodate minorities. Voting would be by secret ballot with provision to enable full participation by individuals who cannot read or write.
3. UN supervision and control
Elections would take place under supervision and control of UN. A UN elections commissioner, supported by International Civil Service of UN Secretariat, would be appointed by SYG. Disputes concerning participation in, or conduct of, electoral process would be settled by an independent body of jurists appointed by SYG, Chairman having a casting vote.
4. Campaign process
SAG would immediately abolish application of all legislation and regulations which could impede full and open participation by all adult Namibians in political process. All persons and all political parties, regardless of political views, would be enabled to participate in process of political education and campaigning. There would be full freedoms of speech, press and assembly. Campaign process, like elections themselves, would be supervised by UN elections commissioner. Elections would take place after an appropriate period following installation in Namibia of UN elections commissioner.
5. Participation by returnees
All persons born in or recognized as inhabitants of Namibia who are not now in Namibia would be enabled to return and participate in political process.
6. Detainees
All political prisoners would be promptly released. This would enable them to participate throughout campaign. Independent body of jurists would resolve any disputes.
7. Transfer of power
In consultation with those mainly involved, SAG would develop a plan for its withdrawal in stages from Namibia to prepare for a smooth transfer of power at end of political process.
[Page 117]F. Informing others
Promptly after confirming with SA that talks will begin on April 27, Five will inform SYG, Front Line States, and SWAPO that they will begin talks with SA in Cape Town on that date regarding implementation of SC Res 385, and will give them an account afterwards. Thereafter, date and purpose of talks with [will?] be confirmed to press. On conclusion of talks Five delegations will recommend to their govts briefing points for interested parties.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770136–0950. Confidential; Immediate. Sent for information Priority to Bonn, London, Ottawa, and Paris. Sent for information Immediate to Pretoria and Cape Town. Sent for information to Dar es Salaam, Lagos, and Lusaka.↩
- In telegram 1166 from USUN, April 20, the Mission conveyed the results of the meeting held in New York on April 19 among the Western Five. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770136–0960)↩