Page 156 from FCO 177-654
Description
This text discusses the role of the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Strategic Export Controls (COCOM) in the context of the breakup of the former Soviet Union and the changing strategic threat. The high-level meeting in June resulted in the establishment of a cooperation forum with countries undergoing major reform, aiming to encourage them to establish export controls. In return, these countries would be granted relaxations in COCOM controls. The details of these relaxations are yet to be decided. The UK supports modest procedural relaxations initially, followed by further relaxations and, if appropriate, deproscription as countries implement effective export controls and progress in democratization and arms control agreements. The American position is similar to or possibly more conservative than that of the UK. Regarding China and Vietnam, the US argues against their participation in the forum, as they are not undergoing major reform. However, there are arguments for inviting them to encourage the implementation of effective export controls. A compromise may involve inviting them once they meet the required conditions.