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Carter's nuclear deal with South Africa

Journal Article · · Inquiry Mag.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6352860

Alerted in 1977 by the Soviet Union that South Africa was developing a nuclear capability, President Carter appears to have successfully negotiated a deal by which the South Africans will sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The price for giving up nuclear weapons is a guaranteed supply of enriched uranium and nuclear technology from the U.S. Delays in the final signing may be caused by other border priorities, but the white minority views a viable nuclear industry as a way to retain the political and economic security developed over a 20-year period of cooperation with the U.S. and West Germany. Other African countries will be skeptical of South Aftica's intentions, however, and may require more rigid safeguards and inspections than usual. South Africa's vast uranium reserves could monopolize the market in the 1980s and could lead the U.S. to compromise its positions on human rights.

OSTI ID:
6352860
Journal Information:
Inquiry Mag.; (United States), Journal Name: Inquiry Mag.; (United States) Vol. 1:22; ISSN IMAGD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English