botswana/namibia - Cour international de Justice

1984) to a decisive resolution of the issue concerning the identification of the 'main channel'.
Thus, in the Minutes prepared by Botswana, the key passage reads:
"10. Mr. Maré from the chair proposed that the boundary at Sidudu/Kasikili be examined by
an ad hoc committee, and recommended that this work be extended to include the whole
boundary with the cooperation of the two Survey Organisations. This suggestion was
discussed.
Mr. Mokama stressed the need for urgency on the Sidudu/Kasikili Island section.
Mr. Fitschen commented on the costs of such a survey.
Mr. Mokama was concerned about his Government's reaction to the involvement of the
Armed forces at present in the area.
Brigadier Klopper wanted the Sidudu/Kasikilu Island problem sorted out now.
Mr. Steward suggested that Mr. Rautenbach's proposal (9) be expanded.
From the chair Mr. Maré agreed that the term 'urgent' be added for the Sidudu/Kasikili Island
section." (Botswana Memorial, Annex 44, p.371)
85. Mr. Maré represented the South African Department of Foreign Affairs.
86. The South African Minutes contain the following passage:
"The Meeting agrees that a joint survey should take place as a matter of urgency to determine
whether the main Channel of the Chobe River is located to the north or the south of the
Sidudu/Kasikili Island. Officials of the Botswana Department of Surveys and Lands and the
South African Directorate of Surveys and Mapping will proceed with arrangements for the
survey as soon as practicable." (Botswana Memorial, Annex 46, p.378).
87. In all the circumstances it was natural that Botswana should regard the outcome of the
Pretoria Agreement as conclusive, and it was in this context that the Government of Botswana
informed the South African Department of External Affairs that it was exercising its
sovereignty over the island (above, para.75).
(H) The Implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement of 1984 and the Joint
Survey Report of 1985
88. In its telex dated 22 October 1986 to the South African Government, the Government of
Botswana stated that it had 'occupied Sidudu/Kasikili Island' and that it expected the
Government of South Africa 'to respect the territorial sovereignty and territorial integrity of
the Republic of Botswana in respect of the Island.' (see above, paragraph 75).
89. The telex of 22 October 1986 was the sequel to the discussions between Foreign Affairs
officials of the two States held on 13 October 1986 in Gaborone. During those discussions the
Government of Botswana indicated that the Joint Survey Report had confirmed the title of
Botswana in respect of the Island. In face of South African prevarication Botswana decided to