Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XIX, South Asia

267. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, October 12, 1977

SUBJECT

• Information Items

Pakistani Diplomatic Drive on Reprocessing Plant: Pakistan is engaged in a diplomatic drive to protect its agreement with France for a nuclear reprocessing plant. Islamabad is also trying to reduce the likelihood that the upcoming International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) meeting will be used as a vehicle to threaten the agreement.²

In recent discussions with officials of several countries and international organizations, the Pakistanis have been pointing out the “unwisdom” of the U.S. putting more pressure on Islamabad. They have been stressing the idea that the issue has become one of national sovereignty and honor, making it impossible for any Pakistani government or leader to give up the plant or acquiesce in non-implementation of the agreement with France.

—[less than 1 line not declassified] Pakistan’s UN delegate told Secretary General Waldheim [less than 1 line not declassified] for example, that, if the U.S. continued to apply pressure, relations with the U.S. would be wrecked, with adverse consequences for the stability of South Asia.

—Pakistan has also asserted that the safeguards imposed by France make it impossible for Pakistan to achieve a military nuclear capability, and that, in any case, it would be inconceivable for Pakistan to “defy the whole world” by using plutonium for military purposes.

—Pakistan has also been attempting to enlist the support of other countries in convincing France to stand by the reprocessing plant agreement. [less than 1 line not declassified] the Paks have asked Saudi Prince Faysal to use his influence to impress upon France the need to honor its commitment to Pakistan so that France’s agreements with other countries will not come into question.

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Pakistan.]

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Daily Report File, Box 4, 10/1/77–10/15/77. Top Secret; Sensitive; Contains Codeword.
2. At the initiative of the United States, an international organizing conference, held in Washington October 19–21, 1977, established the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE). The organization sought to promote the use of peaceful nuclear energy while combating nuclear proliferation. The INFCE provided technical analysis to member governments, the results of which took the form of policy suggestions regarding peaceful cooperation on nuclear energy production and related safeguards and controls. Various working groups and steering committees met from 1977 until 1980. (R. Skjöldebrand, “The International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation—INFCE,” IAEA Bulletin, vol. 22, no. 2, 1980, pp. 30–33)