Pages 73-74 from FCO 177-95

This document provides a summary of the Soviet Union's perspective on the upcoming informal meeting of the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) in The Hague. The Soviet Union welcomes the revival of the NSG but emphasizes the need for greater and faster involvement of emerging nuclear supplier states. The composition of the Soviet delegation for the meeting is also discussed.

The Soviet Union's delegation will be led by Rhizhov, the head of the International Relations Department in the Ministry of Atomic Energy, along with 2-3 colleagues, a GOSPLAN official, and an MFA First Secretary. The Soviets express support for the meeting and have a fairly close approach to that of the UK. However, they believe that the meeting should have included emerging nuclear supplier states. In the absence of their participation, the Soviet Union has secured Dutch assurances that these states will be fully briefed on the meeting's outcome.

The main aim of the meeting, according to the Soviet Union, should be to develop a mechanism that involves emerging NS states in the NSG process without creating a new group for this purpose. The Soviets assert that all countries, responsible or irresponsible, wishing to join the group should be able to do so by adhering to NSG guidelines. They mention specific countries such as South Korea, Yugoslavia, Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Pakistan, Namibia, and Niger as potential candidates. South Africa and Israel are considered special cases.

The Soviets reiterate their views on Full Scope Safeguards (FSS), stating that they would introduce FSS if all NSG states did so, and it should be universally applied. Regarding dual-use issues, the Soviet Union is willing to discuss the complicated US proposals.

The document also explains the reasons for the Soviet cancellation of a bilateral and informal meeting scheduled for February 20, citing insufficient notice from the Americans and the unavailability of relevant officials. However, Rhizhov expresses willingness to discuss NSG questions with US interlocutors in Vienna if necessary.

Overall, the document provides insights into the Soviet Union's stance on the NSG meeting, their desire for increased involvement of emerging nuclear supplier states, and their positions on FSS and dual-use issues.