Pages 56-59 from FCO 66927 - Exports by Nuclear Supplier States - 1977

The Minister of State has received a report on the France-Pakistan and FRG-Brazil reprocessing deals. The French have indicated their willingness to cancel the contract with Pakistan, but the Pakistanis are unlikely to agree before their election on March 7. Work on the proposed site at Chashma in Pakistan is progressing despite international concerns. Canada has already cut off nuclear exports and technical aid to Pakistan. Both the FRG and Brazil have resisted dropping the sensitive items of their nuclear agreements. The UK has refrained from making public statements and left the US and Canada to take the lead. The UK supports efforts to prevent the supply of reprocessing plants in both cases. The Prime Minister will express friendly concern during meetings with Chancellor Schmidt and Vice President Mondale, and the UK is ready to support any US initiatives if needed. Criticizing the FRG-Brazil deal may affect German willingness to assist the UK in other areas.