Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, National Security Affairs; Foreign Economic Policy, Volume I

Department of State Atomic Energy Files

Mr. R. Gordon Arneson, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State,¹ to Mr. F. W. Marten, First Secretary, British Embassy

top secret

[Washington,] December 4, 1950.

Dear Tim: I have discussed with the Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy Commission the views of the United Kingdom Government as set forth in your letter of October 18 on the subject of a “special position” for South Africa. I am now in a position to give you the American views on the following: (1) the position that should be taken with Dr. Donges in the first instance, and (2) the position we should eventually arrive at with South Africa.

The Donges Visit to Washington

As you are aware we have suggested to Dr. Donges that on the occasion of a visit to Washington he might be prepared to discuss the South African views on the subject of a “special position”. We will, of course, welcome U.K. participation in the discussions which we feel should be limited to the following:

a. Provide an opportunity for Dr. Donges to express whatever views his Government may have on a “special position”.

b. If he indicates that his Government has in mind membership in the CPC he should be informed of the genesis of the U.S.-U.K.-Canadian partnership which sprang fundamentally from wartime relationships having as its primary objective the production of an atomic weapon in the shortest possible time. As for the CDA, we would indicate that inasmuch as the Agency is concerned with the procurement of raw materials it would not be appropriate for South Africa, as a supplier, to be represented.

c. Against the day that the Belgian Government agrees to the issuance of the long pending joint communiqué, Dr. Donges should be informed in general terms of its content, particularly as regards the lines of assistance that we are now prepared to extend to the Belgians. Dr. Donges should be informed that similar lines of assistance can be worked out for South Africa and that the United States and the United Kingdom will be prepared to discuss the matter further in Washington with South African representatives at a mutually agreed upon date.

Eventual Arrangements with South Africa

As to the eventual arrangements we would be willing to make with South Africa, the United States is disposed to offer South Africa such technical assistance as is being, and in the future will be, accorded to Belgium. This does not involve a specific 9a commitment.

We prefer that further talks on a special position be held in Washington in order that technical experts of the Atomic Energy Commission would be available to discuss an assistance program for South Africa.

Sincerely yours,

R. Gordon Arneson

1. Effective November 13, Arneson, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State, became Special Assistant to the Secretary of State. He continued to function as Departmental adviser on atomic energy matters.