CONFIDENTIAL
regional States over nuclear transit/ships visits it would give the latter a powerful incentive to clarify their policies. On a matter which is of considerable importance to us. And we would avoid the embarrassment of have to disown our previous support for NWFZ, while not adopting a policy inconsistent with the French position. It would of course require careful explanation to both the US and French and the South Pacific states before any announcement was made.
ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT DEPARTMENT 7 January 1987
RALACR
JM1AHI
CONFIDENTIAL