Pages 18-19 from FCO 66912 - Nuclear Suppliers Group; Policy - 1977

The Swiss government has expressed its intention to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), but their note does not fully comply with the established procedure. The Swiss note limits its scope to material and equipment and does not include technology, although it contains a broader reservation similar to the Joint Written Declaration. The NSG has warned Switzerland that their membership depends on consensus among the group members regarding their fulfillment of requirements. However, the NSG is inclined to accept the Swiss note as a sufficient undertaking, provided that the Swiss explain their reservations at the upcoming NSG meeting and make a statement confirming their intention to pass the necessary legislation for technology control. The NSG seeks the reaction of the host country regarding this matter. The text of the Swiss note outlines their unilateral undertaking to act according to the attached guidelines for the export of nuclear material and equipment, while expressing their inability to implement principles for technology transfers due to the lack of appropriate laws and regulations at present. The Swiss government reserves the right to withdraw from the stated policy but commits to informing the government of Canada before doing so.