‘S. Africa massing forces’

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 8

‘S. Africa massing forces’

NZPA-Reuter Lusaka Zambia has accused South Africa of building up troops and aircraft apparently in readiness for an attack on Zambia, Government' sources have said in Lusaka. The sources said that the Foreign Minister (Dr Siteke Mwale) summoned five Western envoys on Tuesday night to make the accusation. Dr Mwale told the Western heads of missions that Zambia had received firsthand information of the massing of troops last week in the sensitive Caprivi Strip area of South Africanruled Namibia (South-West | Africa), along the Zambian i border.

He said the build-up of troops and aircraft gave every sign of being preparation for an attack, the sources added. “The situation is more critical and dangerous than at any time before. It is escalating the threat to international peace and security,” the Minister is reported to have said. Zambia was prepared to defend itself and to seek help from any friendly country, he said, adding: ‘Tor the first time, Africa is becoming visibly a battlefield for international forces.”

In Pretoria, a South African defence spokesman said his Government had stated several times that South Africa had no intentions of attacking any of its neighbours. The spokesman added that South African raids into Angola last month were made against Namibian guerrilla bases in that country and had nothing to do with the Angolan people. Zambia is also said to be a base for Namibian guerrillas.