82. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
502. Capetown for Embassy. Subj: Namibia: February 12 Meeting With Fourie.
1. The Contact Group met with Brand Fourie February 12 shortly before noon and just before his departure for South Africa. The purpose of the meeting was to review orally with him refinements under consideration in the proposal paper based on conversations over the past three days and to get his reaction.
2. With regard to the level of the South African residual force and its concentration in two areas in north central Namibia, Fourie had no comment other than reaffirm the SAG position. On the size of the military components of the UNTAG, he asked whether the general reference to consultations in arriving at the figure could include a specific mention of the Administrator General. He was told that this would be difficult but that a more general reference to the principal parties might be included.
3. Fourie had no comment to make with regard to the language on the civilian component of UNTAG except the specific limitation on the weapons the police can carry. He foresaw difficulties in the restriction to sidearms only. While on normal patrol duty in towns that would be adequate; for those operating in more open country it might be impractical only to carry pistols. He cautioned against including language to meet one point that could give rise to further complications.
4. On the description of relations between the UN Special Representative and the Administrator General, Fourie pointed out that the role of the UN Special Representative should be focused on the electoral process and not the whole range of everyday general administration. Such a broad definition could get him deeply involved in aspects where the question of impartiality in the electoral process would not arise. The Contact Group members pointed out that many aspects of everyday administration could affect the electoral climate and the UN Special Representative will need to satisfy himself on these aspects as well. Fourie suggested that instead of leaving it completely open-ended, language might be found for narrowing the scope. He suggested use of the concept of action bearing on the “political process.”
[Page 216]5. Fourie also raised a question of making specific reference to local and regional government in specifying the purview of the UN Special Representative. He suggested that use of the term “on a countrywide basis” would be preferable. Members of the Contact Group suggested that perhaps the language might read “countrywide basis and at all levels.”
6. With respect to Walvis Bay, Fourie was asked whether Namibians in the enclave would be allowed to vote. He replied there is no problem on this score since the electoral regulations will cover that aspect. There are plans for polling booths to be established inside Walvis Bay for Namibians to cast their vote. Provisions will also be made for Namibians in South Africa to vote.
7. Just before the meeting broke up, the British delegate asked Fourie how soon his govt would be reaching a decision on the proposals. In this context, he also asked whether Botha would find useful an elaboration of the points just covered once these have been drafted. Fourie said that he did not foresee that decisions in Cape Town would be taken in the next few days. Consultations within the govt will be necessary as well as consultations with groups in South West Africa. This will take some time, certainly more than the next two or three days.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780065–0349. Confidential; Immediate. Sent for information Immediate to Bonn, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Lagos, London, Lusaka, Maputo, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, and Cape Town.↩