Distr. GiiNERAL s/14367 6 February 1981 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH LETTER DATED 6 FEBRUARY 1981 FROM THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITZD NATIONS ADDRESSEDTO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL At the request of the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information, the Iionourable R. F. Botha, I aa enclosing the text of a letter has addressed to Your Excellency on 6 February 1981. , I should appreciate it if this letter and annexwe were to be circulated a document of the Security Council. he as (Signed) D. 11. STEWARD Deputy Permanent Representative 81. .03671 / ... Annex Letter dated ---,Informat~f -,__- 6 February 1981 from ----.,.-__ the Minister of Foreipn ~- -...-..---_-- Affairs South ---Africa addressed to the Secretary-General ----ll-_- On 2 February 1981 the Permanent Representative United Nations addressed a letter to Your Excellency had 'invaded' Mozambique and assassinated 'refugees' Your Excellency expressed deep concern for 'a raid the South African armed forces'. and of Mozambique to the statinn that South Africa ~ On the same d,ay into Mozambique by units of In order to place South Africa's action in its proper perspective, it is essential that I draw Your Excellency's attention, first of all, to a Press Release I issued on 19 February 1980 reEardiny, activities which were already at that time being planned against South Africa from within Mozambique. That Press Release contained the text of a formal note addressed by the South African Department of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Mozambique, and read as follows e 'In spite of the assurances authorities that A.N~C. terrorists not operate from their territory have produced conclusive evidence South Africa are being harboured murderous operations and acts of Africa from bases in Mozambique. received from .the Mozambique and other subversive organizations do apainst South Africa, recent events that terrorists vho plan subversion in in Mozambiq.ue and are conductirr,~ sabotage against the Republic of South The South African Government holds the Government of ?lozambique fully responsible for the presence of these terrorists in its territory and for their actions which are indisputably in breach of international law. These activities violate the territorial inte,-rity of South Africa Andy amount to acts of acfiression. In these circumstances it is incumbent on the Mozambiq~ue Government, in the interests of the maintenance of internationally accepted norms of conduct, to take effective steps to terminate these hostile acts and to ensure that no haven is given in Mozambique to individ~uals or gro%ps perpetrating such acts. The South African Government reserves the right to take whatever steps may in its view be necessaryy, wherever and whenever, to protect South African life and property.' In subsequent discussions the Mozambique Government was again informed about A.N~C. activities in Maputo. The South African Government offered to produce proof that the A.?JT.C. members in Maputo were not actinq and behaving: as refugees, but were actively involved in terrorist activities directed s/14367 English A**C: Page 2 against South Africa. T:ile Mozambique Government was warned on several occasions that unless pmctical steps were taken to put an end to these activities South Africa vould be forced to act and~ take qqropriate steps. The action the Sout:h African Defence Force was compelled to take on 30 January 1981 was directed solely at A.&C. terrorists. Everything possible was done to avoid contsc.t with Mozambican forces and civilians. The attack on these terrorist targets followed after irrefutable information had been obtained that Mozambique was being used as a springboard for terrorist attacks sy;ainst South Africa. The South African Government has in its possession evidence that the .terrorist attacks on an industrial installation, and on public buildings in South Africa, as well as the holding of hostac;es in a bank, had been planned and launched from the A.N.C. premises in Maputo. I am constrained to reaffirm the South African Government's position on terrorism, namely that it is resolutely committed to act against the threat rrhich terrorism poses to South Africa and its people, whether it originates within South Africa or in a neighbouring country. A country actively or passively supporting: those who plan and commit terrorism and subversion, and which, in addition, harbours them, will have to bear the consequences. The time has come for those countries which identify with terrorist movements and their designs, and also provide sanctuaries to them, to make a clear choice between constructive development and violent destruction. South Africa's choice in that respect is clear. It is imperative that they also make their choice. The South African Government stands ready to co-operate with and assist those who want to play a constructive role in developing; their countries and in promoting peace and stability in their regions. However, South Africa shall not cease to protect its people property against the onslaught of terrorism, wherever it breeds. my Government will continue to combat and eliminate this threat, of the consequences. and their Accordingly, irrespective May I take this opportunity my hichest consideration. assurance R. F. Botha P:inister of Foreign Affairs to renew and Information" to Your Excellency the of