TNAG-0948-FCO40-1167-Effect-of-nuclear-exports-to-China-on-Hong-Kong-Guangdong-nu-1980 — Page 166

CONFIDENTIAL

QUOTE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD REQUIRE SATISFACTORY AGREEMENTS TO BE REACHED ON SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, SECURITY OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND TARIFF STRUCTURE SO THAT THE HONG KONG CONSUMERS INTERESTS WERE PROTECTED. ON BALANCE THEY CONSIDER THAT THEY CAN BEST LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE MORE EFFECTIVELY, AND WITH LESS RISK AS REGARDS HONG KONG/GUANGDONG RELATIONS THROUGH CHINA LIGHT AND POWER. SIMILARLY WHILE THEY FULLY SUPPORT THE SALE OF BRITISH EQUIPMENT AND WILL DO ALL THEY REASONABLY CAN TO ASSIST THEY WOULD PREFER TO LEAVE THE PURSUIT OF SUCH AN OBJECTIVE TO CHINA LIGHT AND POWER. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE THEREFORE RELUCTANT TO WEIGH-IN ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN PRESSED TO BE MORE FORTHRIGHT.

UNQUOTE

2. THE NEXT INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEETING IS ON 25 JANUARY. GRATEFUL

FOR COMMENTS DESK BY 250900Z.

CARRINGTON

FILES

HK & GD

JNU

FED

COPIES TO:

HONG KONG GOVT: OFFICE

LONDON

2

CONFIDENTIAL