Pages 28-29 from FCO 84179 - Iraq Nuclear Energy

This is a confidential telegram from Baghdad, dated December 32, 1981, in response to a previous FCO telegram. The French Ambassador was asked about the progress of expert-level talks on additional safeguards for the replacement of the Tammuz reactor. The talks were slow because the Iraqis seemed uncertain about their requirements, particularly regarding the site for the new reactor and the type of fuel to be used. Two IAEA inspectors recently visited the Tuwaitha site and were allowed unrestricted access, unlike a previous visit when there was a risk of unexploded bombs. The inspectors found the radioactive material intact in the underground cellar. The military and security police still had a presence at the site, and only Italian experts were continuing their work. The protecting ramps at the site had been heightened and deepened, possibly to protect the fuel store or the Italian experts. The sender requests details of the latest IAEA inspectors' visit report when available.