Dutch debate ultracentrifuge programme

The train of events in Holland leading up to, and since, the Treaty of Almelo which was concluded in 1970 between Holland, West Germany and the United Kingdom for the promotion of ultracentrifuge uranium enrichment, are discussed. The debate which has taken place in Holland in recent months on whether the URENCO pilot plants should be expanded to a production capacity of 2000 tons a year is detailed. In December 1976 the Dutch cabinet decided in principle in favour of the expansion of the enrichment facilities. However, the Ministers of Economic and Foreign Affairs will discuss the commercial prospects and the problems of proliferation with their British and German colleagues. Only after these discussions and after negotiating non-proliferation guarantees will the Dutch cabinet make final decisions. (U.K.)