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position, if those of all other NWS were known.

5.

Officials have therefore considered 5 options:-

(a) To state that we will not sign the Protocols but

that the decision is not irrevocable, coupled with a

declaration that our policy will continue to conform with

-

the objectives of the SPNFZT. This is the position that

we understand is favoured by Mr Shultz, although he has

yet to persuade Mr Weinberger, who favours ruling out US

signature, or support any future NWFZ proposals;

(b) To sign the proposals, but not to ratify them;

(c) To sign and ratify some or all of the Protocols;

(a) To maintain our current policy of postponing a

decision;

(e) To announce that we are not yet prepared to sign the

Protocols, but that our policy will continue to conform

with their objectives, and we are ready to review our

position in the light of the factors in para 2(d) above.

Mr Devoll Tomas'

6. As was pointed out in our (earlier submission, the

SPNFZT will not make a signifcant contribution to either

non-proliferation of disarmament"

-

key regional States

are already NPT-parties and it could generate unwelcome

momentum for NWFZs in other areas We have hitherto

taken the view that our shared security interests with

the US and France as NWS out weigh the disappointment which are non-signature will cause the South Pacific

States. But a flat UK rejection of the Treaty would be

as a clear departure from our longstanding policy

which has lead us to support NWFZ in Antartica and Latin

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