PAKSITAN OFFICIALS QUESTION SAG NUCLEAR INTENTIONS

S E C R E T RIYADH 002407

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SA
SUBJECT: PAKSITAN OFFICIALS QUESTION SAG NUCLEAR INTENTIONS

REF: RIYADH 02372

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (S//NF) Pakistan Embassy political officers told PolOff
in a December 2 meeting that they recently read a "report"
about SAG development of nuclear weapons systems in
conjunction with Pakistan. They asked PolOff if the USG knew
anything about SAG weapons development or the SAG's intention
to develop nuclear weapons in response to the increasing
Iranian nuclear threat. PolOff stated that she did not know
of such intentions or of such a report, however, she did
state that the SAG has publicly commented about their desire
for a nuclear-free Middle East. The Pakistani officials
continued with their questions and asked again about SAG
nuclear weapon systems development. According to these
officials, they understand that the SAG does want to protect
itself and the region, and since, in their opinion, some of
the other regional players-- specifically Egypt-- are unable
to develop such weapons systems due to financial constraints,
it is logical for the Saudis to step in as the physical
"protector" just as the they have been increasingly stepping
in as peace mediators in various regional conflicts.


2. (S//NF) COMMENT: This is the first direct mention of
Saudi-Pakistani nuclear cooperation that we have heard from
the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh. We will report further
information as it develops (reftel).
GFOELLER