Pages 39-40 from FCO 66751 - United States Proposal for Common Nuclear Export Policies

The document reports on the US/French talks regarding nuclear suppliers cooperation. The French team did not give a formal response but conducted further exploratory discussions. The Americans were encouraged by the tone of the French comments and believed that common ground existed between the two sides regarding the need for understanding between nuclear suppliers. The Americans proposed a meeting in February with up to eight delegations led by senior officials, aiming for substantive discussions and agreements. The location was initially suggested as Paris, but the French proposed London instead. The Americans showed interest in London due to its suitability and the possibility of the French being reluctant to go to Ottawa. The Americans urged that no irreversible decisions about sensitive nuclear export cases be made until a multilateral discussion had taken place. The French had a delicate political decision to make, and until then, other governments were advised against bilateral discussions with them. However, the UK was at an advanced stage of arranging bilateral discussions with the French and may not be willing to turn down a proposed date. The State Department also emphasized the importance of a multilateral discussion before making any irreversible decisions.