Pages 69-70 from FCO 66911 - Nuclear Suppliers Group; Policy - 1977

The 7th meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has been postponed, and the revised dates of 20-29 April are confirmed. Switzerland is due to ratify the NPT in March, and the UK is requested to speak to the Swiss government as the NSG chairman. Switzerland had asked to join the NSG on the same conditions as other members after ratification. The text of the NSG will be completed on 20-29 April, and it is uncertain if Switzerland can attend as an observer. Paris, Stockholm, Rome, and Prague have accepted the dates reluctantly, while Ottawa prefers to coordinate with Switzerland. The UK acknowledges the difficulty in finding ideal dates and appreciates the flexibility of the member governments.