Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XX, Eastern Europe

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

Washington, August 15, 1977

SUBJECT

• Export Control of US Technology

Growing trade from West to East over the past five years has heightened concern over technology transfer, especially to the Soviet Union. The adequacy and appropriateness of export controls have been increasingly called into question by the responsible Executive Agencies, the Congress and the business community. Some—such as State, Commerce, and business—argue that export controls are too stringent. Others—DOD and Congress—maintain that the controls are not sufficiently tight. To provide the basis for sound policy guidance on this complex and important issue, I recommend that you authorize a PRM directing a review of our policy on the export control of US technology (Tab I).²

The PRM will provide you options for decision on key aspects of technology transfer policy, such as objectives, criteria, control measures, and organizational arrangements. The review will also provide the basis for Executive Branch reports on technology transfer mandated by recent legislation and for consistent Executive Branch testimony in upcoming Congressional hearings.

While there is interest in a comprehensive review of all aspects of technology transfer, all agencies agree that this PRM should focus on the control of technology, particularly to the Communist countries. The other key aspect of technology transfer is in the North-South context. Here the issues are promotional rather than restrictive in nature and involve considerations vastly different from those in the East-West context. Accordingly, I propose to treat the question of North-South technology transfer separately and will be submitting a directive on this for your approval.

RECOMMENDATION

That you authorize me to sign the PRM at Tab I on the export control of US technology.³

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Subject Chron File, Box 91, Export Controls: 1977. Confidential. Sent for action. While no drafting information appears on the memorandum, it was forwarded to Brzezinski for signature by Benjamin Huberman on August 4 and retyped on August 15.
2. See Document 13.
3. Carter approved the recommendation and wrote “ok—Add [Stuart] Eizenstat. J” at the top of the memorandum. Another note indicates it was done on August 18.