Pages 5-6 from FCO 96991 - Non-Proliferation 'Grey Areas' 1979

The letter discusses the difficulty of closing loopholes in nuclear export controls and the challenges of drawing up lists of essential items not included in the NSG Trigger List. It acknowledges the complexity of identifying such items, particularly in reprocessing operations. The letter suggests periodically taking stock of new areas of research and technology and reviewing specific requirements that arise from situations like the one in Pakistan. It proposes maintaining contacts with UK manufacturers and trade associations involved in the nuclear field. The letter also mentions the possibility of dealing with the grey areas bilaterally and suggests communicating these points to the Department of Energy.