Pages 2-3 from FCO 177-1373

The document is a response to a letter regarding the Dutch paper on conditions of supply within the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) acknowledges the thoroughness of the paper and considers it a useful starting point for further discussions. The MOD emphasizes the importance of guarding against restricting national freedom to make case-by-case decisions while encouraging interpretation and clarification of the guidelines. It suggests focusing on encouraging problem supplier countries to adhere to NSG guidelines rather than imposing a collective ban. The document discusses the feasibility of producing a list of safety-critical items and criteria and expresses reservations about its practicality. It also mentions the importance of consultation, denial notification, and information exchange among NSG members. The document suggests studying the notification of denials under national catch-all to discourage undercutting and emphasizes the need for immediate reporting of violations to all NSG members. The MOD expresses interest in learning about partners' experiences with intangible technology controls. The document concludes by offering these points as helpful for the upcoming working group meeting.