This was the only way to deal even-handedly with human rights violations committed by former SADF members and liberation fighters, they said in Pretoria through a spokesman, retired General Dirk Marais.
Citing what they labelled the shortcomings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Generals Magnus Malan, Constand Viljoen and Jannie Geldenhuys called for legislation to allow for general amnesty.
They said they had urged the TRC earlier in the month to lend its support to this proposal in the interest of reconciliation.
"The TRC should at least recommend to the government that general amnesty be allowed in order to realise the original aims of the TRC."
A memorandum along similar lines was submitted to Justice Minister Dullah Omar last month.
Marais said it was by now commonly accepted that the TRC would not be able to deal with all human rights abuses committed between 1960 and 1994.
The generals said it would be impossible for either apartheid forces or liberation fighters to reveal each and every act committed by them over the 34-year period. This meant they could not possibly comply with the TRC's prerequisite of full disclosure in order to receive amnesty. Therefore, blanket amnesty would be a more viable option.
The generals also contended that the TRC had painted itself in a corner with regard to human rights violations committed outside South Africa during the apartheid years.
The TRC refused to probe abuses in former African National Congress camps in neighbouring states, saying legal limitations precluded it from guaranteeing indemnity from prosecution abroad for such violations.
"Yet, the TRC is critical of former SADF members using the same argument for not seeking amnesty for human rights transgressions committed in past cross-border raids," the generals said.
They said this reinforced perceptions that the TRC was biased in favour of the African National Congress.
"The TRC's only escape will be to either investigate the ANC punishment camps or to promote the idea of general amnesty," the generals said.
Marais said deputy TRC chairman Alex Boraine last week reacted to the generals' call by saying the TRC would not make recommendations on policy issues.
"We are still awaiting a response from Mr Omar," Marais said.