296. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Christopher to President Carter1
[Omitted here is material unrelated to Pakistan.]
Pakistan. David Newsom told Clem Zablocki and John Glenn that the French are currently discussing possible withdrawal from the Pakistan reprocessing project and said we might be coming to them within a few weeks to consult on resumed aid. Both Zablocki and Glenn said that many in Congress remain suspicious of Pakistan’s nuclear intentions. They said that, even if the French withdraw, Congress will probably seek public assurances from the Pakistanis that they will not proceed on any other basis with reprocessing.2
[Omitted here is material unrelated to Pakistan.]
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 20, Evening Reports (State): 8/78. Secret. Carter initialed at the top of the memorandum.↩
- Telegram 7591 from Islamabad, August 5, reported that during a meeting with Hummel, Shahi “stated flatly and repeatedly that no Govt of Pakistan could give even a private assurance not to engage in reprocessing and still survive in face of public opinion. He characterized USG request for private assurance as impinging on sovereignty of Pakistan.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850103–2242)↩