Page 73 from FCO 177-96

In this confidential message, the sender, O.A. Pearce, discusses the potential reaction of Gabon to an approach from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The uranium deposits in Gabon are primarily exploited by a majority French-owned company called COMUF, and the uranium is mostly shipped to France for processing. The sender reached out to a French colleague who had no knowledge of the NSG meeting or the group itself. The sender believes that Gabon would likely respond positively to an approach from the NSG, but it may highlight the limited control Gabon has over its national uranium resource, which could make France uncomfortable. Gabon sees itself as a leading country in West African affairs, and any approach from a high-tech organization like the NSG would be welcomed as it enhances its status on the world stage.