Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(DC) White House science panel recalled offering meteorite scenario as explanation for explosions off coast of South Africa; details given, diagrams shown. [Panel spokesperson Dr. Jack RUINA - thinks theory is appealing.] Conflicting opinions of staff at radio telescope recalled. [Dr. Richard BEHNKE - recalls data collected from Vela satellite.] Testimony by CIA official with regard to South Africa's navy, equipped with Israeli nuclear weapons, Defense Intelligence Agency's assessment, and leaked secret analysis by United States Naval Research Laboratory discussed; details outlined on screen. Info. requests filled by National Technical Info. Service pertaining to explosions outlined on screen, discussed. [RUINA - comments on intelligence community's public statements.] "The Economist's" confidential report with regard to Israel's relationship with South Africa and Taiwan concerning nuclear development discussed, quoted in part on screen. December 15, 1980, explosion off coast of South Africa recalled, examined. [State Department spokesperson William DYESS - says Department thinks event was natural.] Senate subcommittee member Dr. Leonard Weiss' skepticism over meteorite theory noted. [WEISS - expresses surprise.] Reagan White House said planning no further investigation of either incident.
REPORTER: Robert Pierpoint