Date

Sep 27, 1979

Description

The Vela story did not leak to the press until October 25, 1979, but officials at Gerard Smith's office considered what kind of preparations and by whom should be made for that eventuality ("the second contingency"). If the administration concluded that a nuclear test, possibly by South Africa, had indeed occurred but the story had not leaked, it would have to decide what steps to take, e.g., whether to issue a public statement, introduce a United Nations resolution, consult with other nuclear suppliers, and possibly an approach the South African Government.

Document published in following posting(s):

The Vela Incident: South Atlantic Mystery Flash in September 1979 Raised Questions about Nuclear Test

Dec 6, 2016

"Things to Do for the Second Contingency," 27 September 1979, with attachments on "Actions to be Taken Should We Conclude a Test Has Occurred and the Issue Has Not Yet Become Public Knowledge," and "Actions to be Taken Should Knowledge of Nuclear Test Become Public Domain," Secret