Pages 67-71 from FCO 105259 - South Africa and the Nuclear Situation 1979

This document discusses the possibility of a Chapter VII determination against South Africa in the context of the Security Council and the attitudes of Western partners. The present position highlights the arms embargo imposed on South Africa under Resolution 418. Future possibilities include a determination based on the internal situation in South Africa or the South African relationship with Namibia. The attitudes of the four Western partners differ, with the Americans and Canadians considering Chapter VII as a tactical issue, while the French and Germans see it as a vital threshold to resist crossing. The French are concerned about their contract for the Koeberg nuclear power complex and threaten to veto a Chapter VII determination. The UK's position is to oppose UN mandatory economic sanctions and a Chapter VII determination in the internal situation in South Africa. However, unilateral measures are being considered to apply pressure and maintain Western solidarity. The specific measures will be discussed further.