Pages 72-73 from FCO 177-8

This document is a confidential communication discussing the nuclear issue between the United States and Pakistan. The document highlights a meeting between a US official named Bartholomew and Pakistani officials in Islamabad. The Pakistanis claim to have met the first two conditions set by the US for the resumption of Pressler certification, which would allow US aid to Pakistan. These conditions involve ceasing the production of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and converting HEU into metal form. However, they state that they cannot meet the third condition, which requires them to destroy the nuclear cores and other bomb components they possess due to domestic political reasons.

Bartholomew welcomes Pakistan's action on the first two conditions but emphasizes that the third step is crucial for the US administration. He explains that it would be impossible for the President to sign a Pressler certification while Pakistan still possesses nuclear cores. Although the US understands the political sensitivity of the issue, they are willing to provide political cover for Pakistan's actions to bring their nuclear program back in line.

The document also mentions the discriminatory nature of the Pressler Amendment, a US law that imposes sanctions on countries engaged in nuclear proliferation. Bartholomew acknowledges Pakistan's concerns but states that the US position is unlikely to change. Congress's concerns about nuclear proliferation have been heightened by the Gulf conflict and changes in the Soviet Union, making it even less likely that the terms of the Pressler Amendment would be altered to favor Pakistan.

Overall, the document indicates that the nuclear issue between the US and Pakistan remains unresolved. While the Pakistani claims of meeting the first two conditions are seen as a positive sign, more is required from them, and they cannot expect a softening of US conditions. The visit of Bartholomew, a senior US official, is welcomed by the Pakistanis, as it demonstrates the US administration's desire to improve relations with Pakistan. However, the resolution of the nuclear issue ultimately rests in Pakistani hands.