Pages 176-179 from FCO 177-654

The provided text is a confidential fax discussing various issues related to COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls). The conversation primarily focuses on the establishment of the COCOM Cooperation Forum and the concerns raised by the United States regarding the forum's effectiveness. The US expresses apprehension that export control issues may not receive sufficient attention from forum member governments due to their other pressing problems and limited understanding of export control systems. Consequently, the US emphasizes the need to provide technical assistance to forum members to ensure effective implementation of export controls. The discussion also touches upon the criteria for forum membership and the potential long-term role of the forum. The US suggests lowering the threshold for granting Full Cooperation (FC) status to countries and considers providing special treatment to Romania and Bulgaria. Additionally, the US expresses concerns about inviting China to the forum and addresses the progress made by countries on the Special Procedure track, such as the Czech Republic and the Baltic states. The conversation concludes by mentioning the importance of maintaining the integrity of communication procedures and the need for careful consideration of telecommunications in relation to the forum.