short of openly testing and d.eploying nuclear l.reapons. Instead., adopting a strategy of l-at ent prol-iferation, it cou-Id covertly stockpile veapons and reJ-y, much as Israel is thought by many observers to have done, on rmconfirrned but vid.eJ"y credited Tr]]rou-TS that it had those lreapons in order to further its purposes. 98/ Jaster. South Africars llarrowing Security Options, p. 34. 9O-l ou"tr.n ."- ;(rtgjr-, -aalr;"at ^;tr"" a-**".t ". pp. 642-51+l+t Betts, lrA Diplonatic Bonb for South Africa?"' pp. 101-105; Lewis A. Dunn " rrHalf-Past rndiars Bang", Foreisn Policv, No. 35 1ru"lr leTg), p. 78. IOC/ Betts" "A Diplonatic Bonb ror ;.;o rfh Alrjca'/rr " Pp. 10Jl-105; Jaster, So-uTli-Aff icar s l{arrov-ing Se c uri-tll lSbj o!-E-, p . l*: . IC. South AfricaIs nuclear d.ecLaratory llol i-c-v- 65. Public and selri-private statenents by South Africats feadership on the subiect of nuclear-weapon acquisition have been ambiguous, sc,me past statements, 43" for instance, the lrord.s of the new Presid.ent of the South African Atonic Energv Board., -Dr, J, i{, L- de villiers " asse?t that ':werre not interested in anything /other than/ the peacef\t apllication of nuclear enetgy". l9f/ lv contrast " there are other statements siroilar to that of forner Infornation and Interior Minister Cornelius F" l4ulder contending that: "Tf we are attacked., no rul-es apply at all if it comes to a question of our existence. Iie will use all neans at our disposal-' whatever they uay be" Tt is true that ve have Just completed cur own pilot plant that uses very ailvanced technology" and that ve have neJor r:ranir:n resources." !!{ Or, in the ltord-s of the Finance Minister, Orlen }lorwood: 'I, for one, leJect absolutely and entilely that anyone shou.lil tell- us vhat we shoul-d do /vith our nuclear potential.rr.-/ 103/
**Analysis**
The text discusses the potential acquisition of nuclear weapons by South Africa, citing statements from government officials and experts. It also mentions the country's nuclear energy program and its potential uses. The text implies that South Africa may be considering developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent against potential threats.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations