HEATH AIDS THE ARMY OF THE APARTHEID STATE

The Heath government is using 'intermediaries' to continue supplying arms to the racialist republic of South Africa.

The deals are kept secret so that the government's middle-class supporters are kept in the dark about the government's collaboration with apartheid.

Shortly after gaining office in 1970, Heath arrogantly announced that arms sales would be restarted. But he ran into a storm of opposition which forced him to tone down his pro-Vorster policy.

Details of the size of the South African armed forces have just been published. Although they might not be totally accurate, they reflect the sharply rising size of the They indicate three trends: • Arms are still being supplied by Britain under the counter.

The French government is picking up some contracts which would previously have come to Britain. • The South Africans are becoming more self-sufficient. In other words they are creating their own arms-making industry.

The total of South Africa's armed forces personnel has increased from 44,250 in 19701971 to 109,300 in 1972-1973. in the latest issu: of "The Military Balance** . Commenting on the huge, all-round increase reflected in South Africa's defence forces, a spokesman for the publication said: We have long been worried about these figures from South Africa. Your security out there is pretty good and information is very hard to come by The figures published show that the number of Frenchmade AML60 and AML90 armoured cars rose from 300 to 800; and the number of Saracen armoured personnel carriers was estimated at 250. Other armour includes 100 Centurion tanks, 20 Comet tanks and 50 Ferret scout cars.

Another big increase is reflected in naval manpower— from 9,000 3,000 regulars, 1,250 citizen force and 4,750 trained reserves) to 11,300 2,300 regulars and 9,000 trained reserves). The publication also shows that the South African navy possessed six frigates but that this number increased to nine this year, with five of this number being held in reserve. There are now three submarines against one last year, ten coastal minesweepers (seven being held in reserve), one escort minesweeper, two destroyers, five seaward defence boats and fleet replenishment tanker.

Air force personnel estimates have remained constant at 8,000 made up of 5,000 regulars and 3,000 citizen force reserves, and the total number of combat aircraft has increased by three to 166. The numbers of Buccaneer, Canberra and Mirage aircraft remain fairly constant, but the number of Impala trainers— now being manufactured in South Africa-rose from 50 Below: South African Prime Ahova: South African troops There is an unaccountable drop in the number of Alouette 11/111 helicopters from 106 to 60, but this has been partly offset by the purchase of 16 Puma helicopters. Another four have yet to be delivered. Para-military forces-commandos-are estimated at 75,000. Last year this figure was 78,000, but included 3,000 police, whose equipment included 80 Saracens on loan from the Army. * The Military Balance' is published in London by the Institute of Strategic Studies.

Minister, Vorster and Britain's on counter-querrilla manoeuvres.