ま
CONFIDENTIAL
C Hum Esq
Department of Energy
Thames House South
Millbank London SW1P 4QJ
Telegrams Energy London SW1
Telephone Direct Line 01-211 7151
Switchboard 01-211 3000
Hong Kong Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Room 307A
Whitehall
LONDON SW1
Your reference
Our reference
AE 9/103/3 AE 120/112/18
Date
August 1986
Dear Christopher
HONG KONG
I attach a copy of a letter from Sir Walter Marshall, Chairman of the CEGB, about Hong Kong and his plans to visit Tokyo at the end of October. As you will see, he is offering to stop off in Hong Kong to help in the task of re-assuring the people there that the Daya Bay project does not pose an unacceptable risk.
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On the one 2. I am at the moment in two minds about this offer. hand, Sir Walter is known for his pro-PWR stance and his presence in Hong Kong would be another outward sign of the assistance the UK is providing though in the light of this it would have been more helpful
On if the visit could have taken place before contract signature. the other hand, however, there must be a risk that the anti-Daya Bay lobby (if still in existence after the contracts have been signed) will use the visit to cast doubt on Sir Walter's credentials (and our good intentions) by pointing out that the UK does not have any direct experience of the commercial operation of PWRS.
3.
Sir Walter has suggested organised lectures and seminars for his stop-over and these could perhaps be arranged in such a way as to minimise the risks. Furthermore, Sir Walter is undoubtedly influential and well connected and his presence in Hong Kong, even at the end of October, could do much to bolster the shift in public opinion which now appears to be under way.
4. In view of the foregoing, I would welcome your views, and those of copy addressees, on the proposed visit and should also be glad if you
A risk would obtain the views of Hong Kong and Peking by telegram.
(I assume for assessment from Hong Kong would be especially useful. this purpose, that the telegrams, and more particularly the replies, will be on a distribution list which does not include the CEGB.)
5.
My Secretary of State's Office have asked for a reply by 22 August and I would ask you to let me have your contribution no later than Thursday 21 August.
I am sending copies of this letter to Chris Benjamin DTI, Tom Young NED/FCO and to Richard Fletcher Cooke FED/FCO.
6.
Yours sincerely Brian
B FREEMAN
CC
Mr Agrell Mr McGregor
o.r.