South Africa S Plan And Capability In The Nuclear Field

This report, submitted to the General Assembly for consideration at its thirty-fifth session, was prepared by the Group of Experts on South Africa's Plan and Capability in the Nuclear Field, which was appointed by the Secretary-General to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive report on that matter, in accordance with Assembly resolution 34/76 B of 11 December 1979. The subject matter falls within the context of denuclearization of Africa, which has been the subject of continuous and active concern in the United Nations since 1961.

This report examines South Africa's nuclear and missile programmes in an attempt to establish the facts about its capabilities and to the extent possible, to determine its intentions. The analysis cannot be divorced from, nor seen in isolation from, the political context. It addresses the effects the recent political evolution in South Africa and its relations with its neighbours have had on its nuclear programme? Considering the secrecy surrounding nuclear programmes the information presented in this publication is impressive.

But in general, Reiss suggests, nuclear weapons may have come to be viewed as expensive and dangerous anachronisms.