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1553435
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April 15, 1976 - Kissinger, South African Ambassador R. F. Botha
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1553435
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
April 15, 1976 - Kissinger, South African Ambassador R. F. Botha
citationUrl
creators
Scowcroft, Brent, 1925-
Kissinger, Henry, 1923-2023
Botha, R. F. (Roelof Frederik), 1932-
collections
Memoranda of Conversations (Nixon and Ford Administrations)
Ford Administration Memoranda of Conversations
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South Africa
Cuba
Soviet Union
Namibia
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1553435
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15
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1976-04-15
month
4
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1976
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day
15
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1976-04-15
month
4
year
1976
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1
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document
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60b4ef96cb9ef3de
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Scowcroft file
MEMORANDUM
(only PR has 477)
THE WHITE HOUSE
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
PARTICIPANTS:
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State
Amb. R. F. Botha, Ambassador of Republic
of South Africa
Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs
DATE & TIME:
Thursday - April 15, 1976
10:39 - 11:07 a. m.
PLACE:
General Scowcroft's Office
The White House
Kissinger: [Described why he couldn't meet at the State Department.
]
I just wanted to explain where I stand. The issue is not oppression of
the majority by the minority -- really. But we must deal with the
realities. If we don't get the Cubans out of Africa, we will have a real
race war and the Soviets will get in. So I've got to get into a position
3/12/04
where I can get the Cubans out but protect myself domestically.
I differentiate between South Africa and Rhodesia, with Namibia in
between.
I want to get Black Africa into the position of the Arabs before 1973 --
knowing that they can't get anywhere with the Soviets and have to come
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES state lev:
to us. But to do this I must be very tough on Rhodesia. I need a plat-
NARA, DATE 1/1/04
form from which to resist the Soviets and Cubans.
I get the impression your government would understand that.
BECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12058, SEC. 3.5
Botha: We are in a difficult position but I can tell you privately the Prime
Minister feels let down by Smith.
GERAL
BY
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
CLASSIFIED BY BrenT Scoweroft
EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION
SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 11652
EXEMPTION CATEGORY 5(B)(3)
AUTOMATICALLY DECLASSIFIED ON Imp. To Det.
File scanned from the National Security Adviser's Memoranda of Conversation Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
- 2 -
Kissinger: To me South Africa is very different so long at least as I am
here. Namibia, I just don't know. It is a wholly artificial entity.
Botha: We are making progress but we need time.
Kissinger: How much time?
Botha: It is hard to press it but I would guess three years for a
constitution. We have no interest in keeping that territory.
Kissinger: It wouldn't bother me if you did. I have no sentimental illusion
about African countries. My intention will be to focus my attacks on
Rhodesia. I am not proud of it but I need a platform to work with Zambia
and Zaire.
Botha: We understand. We are building platforms ourselves. We are
responsible for the meetings with Smith. [Describes the bridge meeting.
Kissinger: I am not trying to lecture you at all. But since our disgrace
in Angola -- and I appreciate your role -- we have to move now more
rapidly.
Botha: If I could make one point. You do what you need to with respect
to Rhodesia, but can you make a sharp distinction between South Africa
and Rhodesia?
Kissinger: I may have to come out for majority rule in Southern Africa.
Botha: But that lumps us with Rhodesia and Namibia.
Kissinger: You will note the distinction in my speeches. I am being
pressured to see SWAPO.
Botha: You could be saddling the wrong horse. They are just one bunch
and they knock each other off all the time. I think you run the danger of
having all the rest against you if you approach any one group.
We have a substantial program of economic assistance in Africa. It is
what really counts there. If you would do something to help in economic
development, I think that will do more than anything else.
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
- 3 -
Kissinger: That we will be doing.
I would like you to keep in touch with Brent and we will meet when I
return. But please hold this to your Prime Minister alone.
Botha: Of course. One thing: A Cuban invasion of Rhodesia would
cause insurmountable problems for us.
Kissinger: If that should happen, I assure you we will act. But to be
able to do that, we must position ourselves with respect to majority
rule and dissuade Smith as well that he can't solve his problems by encouraging
a Cuban invasion.
Botha: That is very reassuring to us. We agree that Smith is beyond
recovery.
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
2
Restrict their
Botha
To this side of
that - hold
15 opr.
close
(Descrient crty he smokin't met in state
K & just worked to explain when I stand, The issue
is not oppression of majority by minity - wally.
But hm amot deal w/c whites Spone don't it
c hubank onty africa are will hiner real sees
was +C Sers will get in So I've goth get
with - position when & can gate Cubar and hant
protect angelf demostinly.
I life. het SA. r Rehichuia, w/ in
between
2 want to zet B lnk aprin in to position ofc arabo-
that they cont get any where w/c Lenro. But to che
while this & must be who am or Phrissian
I wil platforms I extsit c 5/mg + July
I Zet- impression your agrest that
B we as in lip proton but & can am you
printity P M for let drown by Smith.
K To and SA is very dif, 20 long at limit as Jone
line. University I just don't how It's is o
which astified entits
B we an more prog. but he welting
K Home much time
B Hand & press it but deventd jules 3 yes for
constitution we has no interest in heying that
terntry
K It wren't bother 12 if you die. I have no
about aprior who constries.
Wy intertion will he to forms my attacks ore
Inst from et hut I wede platper
to word orl Eamlia come
B Wornderstond. CAR and winding plattorms
We are age for c unty w/ smith (Describus J
bridge unty)
FORD
DECLASSIFIED
?
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES State Deview 3/12/04
GERALD
LIBRARY
BY tube
NARA. DATE 7/1/04
ONB, ag,and- ching Ram.
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since mer disguase in Angola & I offerer
your roh - are have & change error were
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B
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all time. I - thrik you even C danger
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any I group
we have a zuh prog of ever assis in IT
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will divere then any thing elan.
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this to your PM
B Ofcanise. Ow thing. Cuba invoice of Rhobsen
would Cause incurrementable pub form,
K
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Smith as well that some his purbs
by encouraging Cuton invoice.
GERALO
B
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GERALO