Page 69 told him that there was no intention of using the talks to manœuvre South Africa into a position she did not want to be in. But we were most anxious that the talks should take place and that there should be frank discussion without commit- ment. Mr. Erasmus finally agreed that informal talks, without any set agenda, should begin in London with the South African service liaison staff which has been strengthened for the purpose.
(**) (5) Radar Early Warning System
South Africa is establishing an elaborate radar warning system. The following points arose:-
(a) We agreed on the terms of an announcement, confirming the Common- wealth Secretary's undertaking in June that there should be joint survey of sites to be used by the Union (in the event of war) in Bechuanaland and Swaziland, and also in Basutoland if no suitable sites could be found outside that territory.
(b) Mr. Erasmus said he wanted to approach us and other countries to the north about expansion of the radar warning system and a link-up with the Union system. We said we would consider this.
(c) I asked him not to ignore British industry in his purchases of radar equipment. He said he was going to America to see what they had to offer; price would be the governing factor.
3. The discussions were friendly and Mr. Erasmus appeared well satisfied. I think that he genuinely tried to meet our wishes. For our part we felt there was advantage in being as helpful to him as possible. The fields in which we can be co-operative with South Africa are limited and it may help over more difficult issues, e.g., the future relationship of the Gold Coast with the Commonwealth, if we accumulate what goodwill we can over less controversial subjects now.
Ministry of Defence, S.W. 1, 2nd November, 1955.
S. L.
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