す
well received and dispelled previous doubts there about their
capability.
Non-Proliferation
Non-proliferation conditions will also be crucial. The
Ching will not tolerate international inspection of their
nuclear plant. This difficulty appears containable, although lthough
it may be a factor influencing them towards choosing a French
nuclear Island. Recent informal soundings indicate that the
US Administration would be prepared to helpChina on this
matter, but there may be lingering doubts as to the
reliability of the US as a nuclear supplier. Our formal
position is similar to the French in that, since China has
nuclear weapons, we should not seek to insist upon IAEA
safeguards but should seek only assurances that materials will
not be diverted to military use nor re-exported without
prior consultation, and will receive adequate physical
protection.
GEC/Framatome Agreement
8.
Ministers agreed in February, in concert with advice
from Peking and Hong Kong, that to keep Sir Lawrence Kadoorie
well-disposed towards GEC's bid for the Castle Peak 'B'
Station, and to gain a share in the Guangdong station, the
Government should endorse an agreement between GEC and
Framatome to make a joint bid. The French authorities have
now been told and have responded that they see no obstacle to
proceeding, but have not committed themselves formally.
There
is still strong pressure in certain circles to go for an all
French bid.
Nuclear Fuel
4.
The Rench have, in formal discussion, been insistent
that the supply of nuclear fuel- very lucrative business
should be part of the Framatome component: we would like to
/break