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the major decisions of principle on the project will be taken in
Peking rather than at provincial level. However, I believe we
cannot discount these counter-signals. Moreover, Westinghouse,
in contrast to Framatome, are now pressing for rapid progress.
Westinghouse are anxious that the UK Government should now
approach the State Department in Washington to seek clearance
under the Non-Proliferation Act for the National Nuclear
Corporation as a Westinghouse licensee to supply PWR technology
to China. Officials accept that such an approach is a necessary
step in developing the Anglo/American option, though its precise
timing will require consideration. Providing outstanding
contractual and technical difficulties can be resolved, and we
receive a favourable response from the State Department, in two
or three months it may be possible to achieve a credible
Anglo/American package to weigh against the Anglo/French package
which has already been developed. I understand, however, that
GEC are less sanguine than Westinghouse about the likely rate of
progress.
6
There are several risks attached to continuing to hold open
both options. HM Ambassador in Peking has advised that if we
delay too long in seeking to make a pre-emptive bid with one
partner, we may miss the opportunity to influence the thinking
and attitude of such an unsophisticated and uncertain customer
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