Pages 23-25 from DEFE 24_1365

This note discusses the UK-US Agreement for Co-operation on the Uses of Atomic Energy. The 1958 Agreement was amended in 1969 and 1974, but there were difficulties in obtaining final US agreement to the amendments. The details of these problems are not explicitly documented, but there are references in correspondence and minutes that hint at their existence. In 1969, the main problems were related to Admiral Rickover's advocacy to scrap the entire agreement and the US's obligation to supply spares for DREADNOUGHT submarines. Eventually, the amendment was approved by Congress after debates and exchanges of notes reaffirming the UK's position. In 1974, the US needed convincing that providing materials and services for cash was mutually beneficial. The agreement was extended to 1979 after discussions. It is suggested that in future discussions, the US may increase the price for uranium enrichment services, and negotiations for further extensions should begin early due to the lengthy ratification process.