CONFIDENTIAL
LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 6 TO 10 DECEMBER 1982
BRIEF NO.11: GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION PROJECT
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
[With Unofficials, Press etc] Discussions are still
continuing, but welcome the opportunity the project would afford
for strengthening co-operation between UK Hong Kong and China.
The recent discussions in London with Vice-Minister Li Peng were
most useful.
2.
we
[Defensive if raised] Fully support what the Governor
said on safety aspect in Legislative Council on 6 October: believe those involved will be responsible in their attitude to
safety, and we shall keep this issue under close and careful
review.
3.
[With Governor and Officials] Now quite clear that Chinese are concentrating on UK/French package, rather than UK/US one. Hong Kong is an important element in this. Li
Peng's recent visit to London was useful, but still some way to go before reaching agreement. Chinese have proposed further meetings in Peking and Hong Kong, probably in late January/early February.
4.
Hope that environmental objections to safety aspects do not become too vocal. Grateful to be kept informed of strength of local feeling, and of any sign of Chinese reaction to it.
CONFIDENTIAL