October 8, 1969(1)
We have pleasure in sending you the text of a study of South Africa's defence strategy which is to be published as a booklet by the Anti-Apartheid Movement in October 1969.
The booklet examines South Africa's rapid militarisation during the past ten years, the extent to which she has received overseas help both from private companies and Governments to build up her striking power, and the Pretoria Government's desire to become a Southern Hemispheric Power. The Simonstown Naval Agreement already provides South Africa with Britain as a military ally, but with the imminent withdrawal of the Royal Navy from the Indian Ocean, South Africa is urging major Western Powers to integrate her into the overall Western defence system. Towards this end the Republic is concentrating on establishing fresh economic and military ties with South American States. The booklet also examines South Africa's expansive role in Africa: she already claims that all political developments in southern Africa are of vital interest to her and there is the real danger that South Africa's interests in the region will begin to substantially influence the foreign policies of countries such as Britain, the United States and her other trading partners.
Our Movement has always maintained that the apartheid system constitutes a grave threat to the peace and security of the whole world. With its increased military might and claims to constitute a major regional Power with a security role far outside her own borders, South Africa has added a new dimension to its threat to the peace and security of southern Africa and the rest of the world. In view of the gravity of these developments, it becomes even more urgent to consider action to counteract the apartheid system.
In the capitals of South Africa's major trading partners, business and finance lobbies exert considerable influence over the policies of their respective overnments towards the Republic. Interests of small but influential groups with a substantial stake in the apartheid system have all too easily been transformed into government interests. In view of the influence of economic factors in determining policies towards the Republic, it becomes a matter of some importance for these governments to work out a programme of active disengagement from the apartheid system. If this is not done and the present trend of growing economic links continues then we face the real danger of overseas financial and business interests coming into direct confrontation with the forces of liberation in southern Africa - with the real possibility of their governments being urged to intervene against those fighting for human freedom and dignity.