The South African Biological Weapons Program - Deadly Cultures: Biological Weapons Since 1945 - page 209

antibiotic resistant, and the antidotes were old and no longer effective. 95
Indeed, it appears that Minnaar incorrectly reported the contents of the
culture collection and, therefore, what was available for sale.
According to Minnaar, the deal would cost the US government some
$200 million and, as part of the deal, should include the relocation of an
unspecified number of South African scientists and their families to the
United States. 96
Mayes demanded proof of the products Minnaar was offering. Goosen,
meanwhile, had visited China to discuss control of foot and mouth dis-
ease with the Chinese authorities. When Minnaar informed Mayes and
Zlockie about the trip, the US became extremely concerned that Goosen
might intend selling the package deal to the highest bidder. 97 Despite
Minnaar's protestations to the contrary, suspicions had been aroused, and
tensions increased.
These setbacks aside, Mayes wrote to FBI agent Rea Bliss on 9 April
2002, stating that the transfer of the “material” from its location in South
Africa to the US could be successfully undertaken “with no exposure for
the USG [US government] except for funding.” 98 Mayes's proposal to
the FBI for removing the pathogens from South Africa included a much
lower costing. The proposal, attached to his letter to Bliss, stated: “The
present government of SA is aware of the Biological Research Program to
a limited extent. They are unaware of the advanced development and
present existence of the deadly strains or the developed antidotes. The
anthrax, antidotes and laboratory R&D documentation are presently in
the control of Dr Goosen and a few of his research associates.” 99
Mayes proposed a plan that would not alert the South African gov-
ernment to the transaction. He warned of “serious consequences”; if
the South African government were to become aware of the deal, it
would “ultimately deny the Anthrax, technical data and antidotes to the
USG.” 100
One motive of those in the US involved in the scheme may have been
to secure the items from the former South African biological warfare pro-
gram. Should the deal have been exposed at this stage, in the run-up to
the 2003 war with Iraq, it would have been embarrassing to the US to be
seen procuring BW agents.
Mayes suggested that the pathogens be shipped from South Africa on
private vessels, which would attract little attention. He presented the FBI