642. Letter From Secretary of State Rusk to Foreign Minister Muller1
Dear Mr. Minister:
Thank you for the reiteration in your recent letter2 of the Prime Minister’s statement regarding the importance of relationships between our two countries. We too very much hope that our differences can be resolved and cooperation strengthened in as many spheres as possible.
I also appreciated receiving your explanation regarding the intended role and control of the nine Cessna 411 and three Mystere 20 aircraft which your Government seeks to purchase. However, our support of the UN arms embargo requires that we take all practical steps to avoid association with any sales of equipment which by virtue of its capability or ownership could be readily utilized for purposes contrary to the intent of the embargo.
In keeping with this policy, I regret that our position with regard to the Cessnas cannot be altered. Our view on the Mysteres, in which a third government is involved, is still under review and I shall have to defer a final answer until a later date.
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL S AFR–US. Confidential. Drafted by Clark and cleared by Coward, Gleysteen, Charles H. Gustafson of L/AF, Byron B. Morton of SCI, and Palmer.↩
- Foreign Minister Muller’s letter of June 1 to Secretary Rusk reiterated a statement made by the Prime Minister in a February 17 speech. (Ibid.)↩