Pages 4-5 from FCO 66844 Nuclear Suppliers Group Policy 1976

This is a record of a confidential conversation held between the Soviet delegation to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and British officials. The main topic of discussion was the need to strengthen controls and establish full nuclear fuel cycle safeguards. The Russian delegation expressed doubts about the practicality of some US proposals on proliferation control. The British officials mentioned their desire for the working group meeting in September to consider full fuel cycle safeguards. The French and US positions were discussed, with the Russians expressing the need for steps to be taken simultaneously in the IAEA. The concept of full fuel cycle safeguards was debated, with different approaches suggested for the November meeting. The possibility of a de facto embargo if full fuel cycle safeguards were not accepted was raised, but political difficulties were acknowledged. The efficiency of safeguards and the potential for growth in safeguard staff were also discussed. The conversation highlighted the importance of careful consideration and coordination within the IAEA.