The BDF had only 60 soldiers in 1976

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday August 13, 2012 00:00

 

The Botswana Defence Force had only 60 soldiers in 1976, when President Sir Seretse Seretse journeyed to the USA to beg for foreign military assistance, declassisifed US Foreign Document shows. The document shows that it was declassified by America on 27/7/04. Also of importance about this declassified document is Seretse's revelation to his US counterpart that since independence Botswana's philosophy was not to have an army.  Seretse says: 'For a long time since our independence, the basis of our defense was that we were unarmed. Now it is a great weakness, because all know there is no force to stop them.'Seretse met with his counterpart Gerald Ford on June 9, 1976, 11am, to ask for military assistance to enable Botswana to defend itself against Ian Smith's Rhodesia.

According to the declassified document, Seretse was accompanied by Archibald Mogwe, Minister of External Affairs, US ambassador Amos Dambe, PS Ministry of External Affairs, according to the documents. Among others Seretse also went there to receive an honorary degree at Princeton.The document reveals Botswana's effective security force numbered only 60 men (at the time), and that Seretse was concerned that in spite of his policy of not harbouring liberation movements, Botswana was powerless to stop them from using its territory as a base for operations against Rhodesia.

In this meeting, Seretse also shares his fears about the economic consequenses of closing the border with Rhodesia, saying it would bring Botswana's economy to its knees. America at the time was urging neighbouring countries like Botswana to close their borders with Rhodesia.

Seretse: We would like to close the border if we thought it would hasten the end of the regime and bring majority rule. But it is difficult for us because our exports depend entirely on the Rhodesian-owned rail line. To close it would be disastrous for us... South Africa would not be sympathetic to us if we deliberately closed the border. For these reasons we have been cautious. It is not just the money we would lose, but our economy would come to a halt. We have long hoped to take over the line so it would be ours, but what is difficult is the cost of the takeover.

President Ford: One question I always get is how certain can we be that minority rights would be assured in Rhodesia? What can I answer?

Seretse: I don't know how you can assure it. In Botswana, everyone's rights are equally guaranteed and are equally protected. There is no problem with us. To give special rights or protections isn't right either. We must treat all people equally.

President Ford: We are looking into what can be done. What are your major exports?

Seretse: We ship copper to a US company in Louisiana, beef to the European community, and most other exports are for South Africa.

President Ford: We will look with as much sympathy as we can both on economic and foreign military sales to be as helpful as possible. You have been a very constructive influence for moderation in the area.