Pages 256-257 from FCO 177-540

The document discusses a conversation between French and British officials regarding the possible supply of a nuclear reactor to Pakistan. The French confirmed that there will be no further discussion on this matter unless Pakistan adheres to the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and accepts full scope safeguards.

During the conversation, the French official stated that the political commitment made to Pakistan by the President in 1990 had never been formalized in any agreement. The question of supplying a reactor had been put on hold due to concerns about nuclear proliferation and the broader political relationship. The French had informed Pakistan that the application of full scope safeguards would apply to any new agreement. The dispute over the reprocessing plant had also been resolved, with France agreeing to provide compensation.

The French official emphasized that there would be no further discussion on the reactor supply unless Pakistan adheres to the NPT and concludes a full scope safeguards agreement. However, the French recognized Pakistan's need for generating capacity and had made agreements for the provision of hydroelectric and oil-fired power stations.

The document suggests that the issue of supplying a nuclear reactor to Pakistan is effectively dead based on the French official's remarks. The resolution of the reprocessing plant dispute and the agreements on other power stations were seen as the price France had paid to extricate itself from the situation.

The document is marked as restricted and includes distribution to relevant officials and departments involved in nuclear policy and planning.