We also doubt whether
it is entred appropriate to leave it to them to speak
VIEWS OF UK DEPARTMENTS
17
do not share that K Govt. belief that the handling of the UK/MK
interesti
can safely)
left to a publically quoted, but virtually privateymun,utility in Hong Kong. Although CLP art well disposed towards the UK and open to influence from the Hong Kong Government, they have unlike the Chinese, little or no competance in the nuclear field fad are ill equipped to form views Jon subjects which
could have profound repercussions on the colony as well as on the aspirations
of UK manufacturers.
UK Departments are less certain that such important issues should be
18
e
CLPS proper responsibility relates to the purchase and assured supply of electricity for any joint venture. We would not however oppose the wider
remit which CLP have now acquired provided:
1
The UK was represented on the Steering Group;
2
The NPC provided the technical support on nuclear matters.
7
Such representation would also help ensure that the UKs interests were directly
represented and could provide opportunities for the UKs capabilities to be stated,
the UKs negotiating cards to be deployed and obstacles placed in the way of
a negotiated deal with the French.
Cobe
A
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
is this
19
pera 17
put
There is a possibility that an agreement will be struck between CLP
and KEC which might be unacceptable to the Hong Kong Government or ourselves
on grounds of safety, environmental or general consumer interests and terment and unacceptable to the UK because it left the Chinese free to negotiate with the
French for all the hardware. Representation on the Steering Group would
assist in preventing this. The UK also has certain cards to deploy;
are
these really "cards"
a) Sir Lawrence Kadoorie and the CLP management are favourably if so, i
-if
disposed to the UK and have confidence in UK equipment. Power plant
Gemme?
whiel