Pages 229-230 from FCO 177-540

The document discusses the visit of the Pakistani Foreign Secretary and his comments on nuclear issues. The Foreign Secretary reportedly stated that Pakistan has the capability to assemble at least one nuclear device using highly enriched uranium cores. However, production of highly enriched uranium and weapons cores has been frozen since last year. Pakistan would only comply with the US condition for resumption of aid if India takes a similar step. The US State Department spokesperson refrained from commenting on the status of the Pakistani nuclear program but emphasized non-proliferation efforts and proposed a five-power meeting on non-proliferation in the region. The document notes that this is the first public admission by Pakistan of the stage they have reached in their nuclear program. The Indians are expected to highlight the asymmetry between Pakistan and India and their commitment to non-weaponization. The document also mentions that Khan claimed the US was pursuing five-power talks at Islamabad's behest, which may hinder prospects for a meeting in Washington. The document concludes by mentioning that during the visit, Khan did not offer any new information on the nuclear issue and accepted that Pakistan must meet US definitions. However, compliance may not be possible due to domestic political reasons, and the five-power talks are seen as a potential catalyst for change domestically.