[JA2ANX]
CONFIDENTIAL
MR BENJAMIN'S VISIT TO BRUSSELS/PARIS, 24/25 JUNE
GUANGDONG NUCLEAR SAFETY PROJECT
Essential Facts
Reaction in Hong Kong to Chernobyl
1.
Since Chernobyl there has been substantial disquiet in Hong Kong about the Daya Bay Project, and doubts have
been expressed about the ability of the Chinese to
supervise the construction, management and operation of a
nuclear power station on Hong Kong's doorstep. The Hong
Kong Government and CLP have sought to reassure the public
about safety, making the point that
that what is good enough
in terms of safety standards for the French should be good
enough for Hong Kong and China. However the Hong Kong Government is speaking in support of a project in which it
has no direct involvement beyond two seats on the board of
the Hong Kong partner in the Joint Venture Company. Moreover the station is outside Hong Kong.
2.
Disquiet in Hong Kong has regularly been reflected
in reports by District Officers since Chernobyl, and
District Boards may begin to include Daya Bay on their agenda. An ad hoc committee of UMELCO (Unofficial Members
of the Executive and Legislative Councils) has been
established to consider the safety aspects.
Committee's deliberations have been well-balanced
The
SO far,
but public pressure on it could mount. Concern remains high and there are no indications that it will dissipate.
CONFIDENTIAL