indi.genous source of fue1 is available, wouJ.d lead inevitably to the shutd.own of the two power reactors by cessation of fresh fuel supply, not to mention theinternational measures fol].owing the seizure. It nust again be emphasized, moreover, that whife reactor-grade pl-utonium can be usetl in e. bonb its chaxacteristics and the unpredictability and reduced effieiency associateti with its use wouJ-d nake it a fax l.ess preferable nuclear explos ive naterie,l, especially when other alternetives are read.ily available to South Africa. Anct, as already noted,building a reprocessing pl-ant for separating that ptutooiun probably wou]-d. bevithin South Africa's capability, given its technological, engineering, ctremical and scientific base. 3. Extefnal- sources of high enriched. uranium l+9. The danger of theft of weapon-grade high enriched uranium or plutonirim has beena subject of much recent concern, There has been some speculation that smallquantities of both naterials af?eady have been stolen from fuel fabricationfacilities in the United States. TB/ None of that speculation links South Africa tothe tlisappearances in question. fi- rigirt of the diificulties, risks, and fimitedquantities of naterial so a.ttainable, other avail-abLe }outes to nuclear expl-osive material probably r{ould appear p}eferable to a South African coverDment seeking trucleax-wes.pon capability. ,0. The Uuited States in 1975 discontinued shipnents of bigh enriched uranirim fue].for the SAFARI-I rese€rch reactor. Past high enriched. uranium spent fuel- shippetl -@./ uU.S, Acknowledges Possibility of Uranir:m Theft,'r Nev York Tines, 2B April- 19?8; Nucleoaics Week, 1\ Jrrne 1979, p. 7.A/ 35 /I+o2 !,11s-La sn ANNEX Page 2l+ b) Lhc uuitci -tltcs to So,rt:- A-ric - :ras becn sent abroad for rcprocessinr arrithet, is no evidence thal a,,y of it rras diverteL. 16 ril itary purposc:" 7.r/ C. South ^frica's caoability to C-esi.n and fabricate a nuclear e
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing nuclear energy and the potential risks and consequences of South Africa developing a nuclear explosive capability. The language used is technical and focused on the details of nuclear reactors, fuel supplies, and reprocessing plants. This suggests that the text is related to the development of nuclear energy and the potential risks and consequences of its misuse.

**Category**
Science and technology, Industry