B
CONFIDENTIAL
Argument
7. Given the delicacy of our relations with South Africa
Giver
particularly over Rhodesia, but also at present over the Lee (escaped political prisoner) and Meehan (British subject charged under the Official Secrets Act) cases, we should be forthcoming with the South Africans when the political
cost to us is not significant.
8. Mr Botha has taken a personal interest in this case,
HM and our Ambassador in Pretoria has asked that it should be reconsidered. The importance of the route to SAA is not only the additional traffic it will guarantee; but the pyschological importance of having SAA service as many cities as possible.
g.
Our reply should make it clear to the South Africans that we are doing them a considerable favour.
27 December 1979
Jonathan Powell
J N Powell Southern African Department
сме
DOT agree with the draft tel. + the daft coves
the point they wish us to make.
CC. MAED
HK & GD
Вивате
272 xii
CONFIDENTIAL
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