Letter from Bhutto to Ford, 30 March 1976

In this letter from the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the President of the United States, the Prime Minister addresses the concerns raised in the President's letter regarding Pakistan's plans to acquire a reprocessing plant and heavy water facilities. The Prime Minister acknowledges the serious concern about nuclear weapons proliferation and emphasizes that Pakistan's nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, with iron-clad safeguards in place for all nuclear facilities. He explains that Pakistan's nuclear program is not a new decision but rather an ongoing effort that dates back almost two decades. The Prime Minister highlights Pakistan's acceptance of stringent safeguards and conformity to international guidelines. He emphasizes the economic necessity of Pakistan's nuclear program, given the country's energy needs, population growth, and industrial requirements. The Prime Minister also raises concerns about India's nuclear program and calls for attention to be directed towards preventing India from further developing nuclear weapons. He mentions the possibility of converting the reprocessing plant into a regional project by involving other countries in the region. The Prime Minister concludes by expressing hope for continued mutual understanding and support between the two countries.