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The ship conveying plutonium by sea from France to Japan is causing growing concern. It may prove necessary to put the issue into perspective.

The transport of radio-active material is conducted under stringent internationally accepted conditions as described in the International Atomic Energy Agency's Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radio active Material; as approved by the international community, South Africa subscribes to these regulations.

No conveyance of nuclear material in a manner which would be environmentally hazardous as a result of radio-active radiation will be permitted in terms of this.

The transport of plutonium within South African territorial waters i.e. twelve sea miles (29.18 kilometres) from the coast, is controlled in terms of the Atomic Energy Act, 1982. Beyond that any vessel may sail without the permission of the RSA in terms of international Maritime Law.

The South African authority which in accordance with international standards supervises the safe handling of nuclear material, is the Council for Nuclear Safety. No ship with nuclear material on board may enter south African territorial waters without a permit issued by this Council.

No such permit has been requested or issued. From that it can be deduced that the Japanese Government does not intend to sail the vessel through South African territorial waters.

The situation will be closely monitored.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM, CAPE TOWN