Pages 94-96 from FCO 46-8067

The document appears to be a confidential communication from the British Embassy in Washington, DC, regarding Soviet adherence to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The summary is as follows:

1. The letter acknowledges previous correspondence on missile proliferation and apologizes for the delayed response.
2. There is mention of a Ministerial Communique where the Russians expressed willingness to be associated with missile export guidelines but not explicitly with the MTCR.
3. The Americans pressed the Russians to align their stance with the MTCR, but the Russians preferred a looser reference to "export guidelines." The Americans believe the Russians are observing their own missile export guidelines, possibly even stricter than the MTCR's.
4. The Russians are aware of additional obligations beyond adherence to the guidelines, as stated in an aide memoire, but they have not shown interest in fully adhering to it. The Americans are cautious about involving the Russians in the regime to that extent.
5. The Americans prefer the ambiguous Soviet position, similar to Sweden's, but acknowledge that clarity may lead to difficult decisions and potential disagreements.
6. The Americans are considering different options, including bringing the Russians fully on board the regime, formulating a parallel bilateral agreement, or extending such arrangements to all MTCR partners. The Russians might be more receptive if they have a say in the new arrangement's form.
7. There is a belief that the Russians have been observing their own missile export controls, except for providing SCUD B missiles to Afghanistan. The Americans view this as a positive development.
8. The author raised concerns about briefing discrepancies with the US Embassy, and it was explained that briefings by Liz Verville were intended to cover the outcome of the Paris bilateral, not the Moscow discussions. Verville is willing to discuss the matter further during a future visit.