1992-08-13
12:37
U.K. MISSION
YE!! [
242 (100635
BY FAX
Ms Clarie Lo
UNITED KINGDOM MISSION
Jaurèsgasse 12, A-1030 Vienna
Telex 133410, 132810 Telegrams Prodrome Vienna Telephone 713 15 75
Facsimile Ext 223
Principal Assistant Secretary for
Economic Services (D) Economic Services Branch Government Secretariat Hong Kong
Your reference
Our reference
Date 19 February 1992
dea Clare
IAEA SEMINAR IN HONG KONG
1. Many thanks for your telephone call the other day.
2. I have been closely following the exchanges of correspondence between the IAEA and HKNIC and am particularly struck by the speed with which events seem to be moving. It seems to me, however, that there are a few fundamental issues which need to be cleared up before things become too complicated, and I hope that you will not mind that I raise them with you.
2. Firstly, the IAEA deals with governments, not companies. I am therefore a little uneasy that HKNIC seems to be taking the lead in the correspondence with the IAEA in this. I fully understand that this might seem more efficient since they are providing the venue and back-up, but it is important nevertheless that the Hong Kong Government is seen to be in the lead. not at all sure that the formula you suggested "Hosted by the HKNIC in collaboration with the Hong Kong Government"
My own view is that it should conveys the right impression.
For that reason, I am
be the other way round: "Hosted by the Hong Kong Government in collaboration with HKNIC".
3. Secondly,
Secondly, I should like to reinforce the point made by Rita Scott of the IAEA in her letter of 21 January to Ms Lau of HKNIC: these regional media seminars are purely educational. The IAEA cannot appear to promote nuclear power, otherwise it could lose credibility.
4. Thirdly, but linked to my first point, I am slightly alarmed by the request by HKNIC in their letter of 12 February to Rita Scott that the Agency should issue invitations to the key figures of the relevant nuclear authorities. This seems to me to be inappropriate for the Agency to do.
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