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DSR 11C
nor would he bend in his refusal to let France's force de
frappe be included in the count of NATO missiles. The
French are irritated at recent Italian suggestions that
their position may have weakened. The Summit will
provide an opportunity to ensure that British and French
arguments on the roles of the two countries' deterrents
remain mutually reinforcing, and to discuss how European
resolve can be maintained and the public presentation
best handled. President Reagan's recent initiative
[reported 22 September] should help all Western
governments to indicate publicly that they are fully
satisfied with American negotiating efforts. The French
may wish to discuss tactics in CDE. The prospects for
collaborations on defence procurement could be hopeful in
several fields.
Other International Issues
10.
The French appreciated the supportive tone and
understanding shown in the Prime Minister's reply to
President Mitterrand's message on Chad. He will no doubt
be ready to discuss the prospects. We need to seek his
support over the Falklands, both on the UNGA resolution
(where France only just came into line last year on the
day of the bilateral Summit) and on future arms sales to
Argentina. President Mitterrand has so far played a
restraining role, but will come under increasing pressure
after the Argentine elections to relax French policy. We
need to put maximum pressure on him to restrict the sales
of sensitive arms. Both sides will wish to continue
their consultatinos on
on the future of the MNF in Lebanon,
CONFIDENTIAL
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