Pages 135-146 from FCO 177-95

This document, dated 8 May 1991, details a conversation between R.H. Smith and M. Thiobaud regarding France's position on full-scope safeguards and accession to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It covers several points:

1. French Position on Full-Scope Safeguards: France was ready to adopt full-scope safeguards but faced challenges concerning existing contracts, particularly with India and Pakistan. The issue with India involved renewable contracts for nuclear fuel supply, while the situation with Pakistan was more complex due to an agreement in principle without concrete contracts.

2. Announcement Timing and Method: There was discussion about announcing this policy change at the G7 Summit in London in July. However, France preferred not to use the G7 for this purpose, aiming instead to announce their decision before the Summit. An alternative suggestion was a joint Anglo-French announcement.

3. France’s Attitude to the NPT: The French government was deliberating its approach to the NPT, with the possibility of deferring a decision until 1994 or opting for immediate accession. France's isolation among the European community on this issue was a concern, particularly in the context of moving towards a common foreign and security policy.

4. Impact on Export Controls: If France joined the NPT, it might affect arguments against nuclear-related export controls being a European Community matter. The NPT creates different obligations for Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Weapons States, but in terms of export controls, the obligations were similar for all parties.

5. Algeria’s Nuclear Program: There was also a brief mention of concerns about Algeria's nuclear program, especially regarding the size of cooling towers in their installations. Despite the suspicions, it was noted that the climate and technology differences in Algeria might account for the design differences.