Pages 91-93 from FCO 46-8067

The UK has circulated a redraft of a missile proliferation paper to be discussed at the SWG/DRG meeting on March 27. The paper addresses the implications of ballistic missile proliferation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Concerns have grown due to the development and acquisition of missiles by third world countries in the region. Ballistic missiles are inherently offensive, cannot be recalled once launched, and have limited defense against them. The paper highlights countries in the region with missile potential, including Egypt, Libya, Israel, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. The UK provides a country survey detailing the missile capabilities and intentions of these countries. The paper underscores the destabilizing nature of missile proliferation and the potential for terrorist use and political intimidation.