Pages 59-62 from FCO 372113 - the Nuclear policy of Pakistan 1978

The document states that ministers have decided to place the inverters ordered by Pakistan under export licensing and refuse the license application. They had hoped to discuss this decision with the government of Pakistan before it became public knowledge. The document suggests that an explanation should be given to the Pakistanis to minimize potential damage to relations, but specific suspicions about Pakistan's intentions should not be introduced at this stage to prevent overreactions. The government of Pakistan has not reacted publicly to the reports so far. If the decision to speak is made, it is advised to explain that a general control over the export of frequency changers has been introduced due to their potential use in constructing a gas centrifuge enrichment plant. The decision is based on non-proliferation policy.