TNAG-0938-FCO40-1157-Visit-of-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Trade--to-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 208

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MR D M MARCH, SENIOR BRITISH TRADE- COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG

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Hr March called on 14 January. The following points

China light and Power 'B' Station

1.

The arrangements for a CEGB contract for this station were the main reason for his return. He needed to find out whether the present Government were prepared to give CEGB the same assistance in securing the contract as they had for the 'A' station. He is fairly hopeful.

2.

Mr March pointed out the inter-relationship between the 'B' station contract and the nuclear power project in Guangdong, so far as British trade policy was concerned. The need to keep Sir L Kadoorie sweet was the common denominator. If HMG were too awkward over Guangdong, Sir Laurence might be difficult over 'B' station.

Guangdong Nuclear Fower Station

3.

Mr March intends to point out to Mr Lippitt (DOI) that Sir L Kadoorie will not tolerate official HMG participation in CLP's team for the current round of talks with the Chinese. He would however accept a 'nuclear expert' who could keep a watching brief for HMG.

4.

Mr Larch has doubts about the wisdom of Mr Lippitt going to Canton in February unless he is ready to take a clear line on the 'political' elements of the agreed minutes of the last meeting between CLP and the Chinese, especially as regards non-proliferation and international inspection of the plant, which the Chinese refuse to accept. It is unlikely that Ministers would be ready to take a decision on this point so quickly.

fr arch showed me a copy of the agreed minutes mentioned above. The DOI should have a copy. Would Mr Williamson please

5.

ask if we can have one?

Possible Visit by Secretary of State for Industry to Hong Kong

6.

hr Lippitt is trying to persuade Sir Leith Joseph to go to Hong Kong in April to see for himself the special circumstances of selling major plant to Hong Kong i.e. the impossibility of doing this without some kind of subsidy. Er harch strongly supports this.

Visit to long Kong by Lecretary of State for Trade

7.

Fr harch is dismayed at the lack of information which he has received from CRE.4 about Mr Nott's visit, e.g. which officials will accompany him and what bilateral subjects he wishes to discuss. He will let us know if we can help over this.

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