Pages 2-3 from FCO 66846 Nuclear Suppliers Group; Policy - 1976

This document is a confidential report on the Nuclear Suppliers Group meeting chaired by the author on November 11 and 12. The Americans expressed that they were unable to propose or agree to proposals until the new Administration takes office. The meeting did not make substantial progress but provided an opportunity to discuss outstanding issues. Privately, American officials indicated that there might be less difference between Ford's proposals and the incoming Carter Administration's policy than suggested during the election campaign. The main task of the Nuclear Suppliers Group is to agree on revised export guidelines. The UK proposed that acceptance of safeguards on a country's nuclear activities should be a condition for nuclear material, equipment, and technology supply. Most delegations supported this idea, with France being the only opponent at the last meeting. The Group's existence and membership can now be made public, but general lifting of secrecy regarding its work will occur after the final revision of guidelines. There was agreement on the principle of inviting additional developed and developing countries to join the Group, but the timing of the next meeting may be delayed under pressure from the Americans. The document also mentions confidentiality and plans to provide off-the-record briefings to selected British journalists to improve their understanding of the Group's background.