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We are dismayed that in the talks that have taken
place the Chinese side have hitherto said that they
are only able to discuss off-site emergencies, and that even in those cases they are not prepared to transmit information to Hong Kong unless they decide that the emergency will pose a serious threat to
Hong Kong. The IAEA Convention makes clear that any information which may (not just will) have a
trans-boundary affect has to be notified.
I hope that the Chinese side can take our concerns seriously. If adequate arrangements are not in place soon there are likely to be serious political problems for us in Hong Kong.
It would also be very helpful to receive confirmation
that, in accordance with IAEA guidelines, the Chinese
on-site and off-site contingency plans will have been exercised before the fuel is loaded; and to learn when
exercises will be conducted. Hong Kong will conduct a second full test of its contingency plan in May. We
would welcome mainland observers at our exercise in a
similar manner to last time. We would also like to
make a request to observe your exercises.
There will be a further meeting between Hong Kong and Guangdong officials this week. I very much hope that it can make progress. We want to be sure that Guangdong and Hong Kong can work together in managing emergency situations.
Political Adviser 15 January 1993
C.F. 326
CONFIDENTIAL # 3