TNAG-0949-FCO40-1168-Effect-of-nuclear-exports-to-China-on-Hong-Kong-Guangdong-nu-1980 — Page 55

CONFIDENTIAL - COVERING SECRET

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Monday Spa200)

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- 5 AUG 1980

CALL ON THE LORD PRIVY SEAL BY SIRDLAWRENCE KADOORIE CBE OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (CLP) OF HONG KONG ON 28 JULY AT 1500

no 186.8

1. Sir Lawrence is coming to London to discuss with Ministers the

proposed nuclear power station project in Guangdong in South China,

including the political implications for Hong Kong and the commercial

opportunities for Britain.

2. He will probably wish to concentrate his discussion with the LPS

on the political significance of the project for the future of Hong

Kong and its effect on UK/Hong Kong/China relations. I submit a brief.

3. Sir Lawrence is also seeing Sir Keith Joseph on 28 July at 1130,

and the Prime Minister on 30 July. I attach a copy of the DOI brief,

prepared in consultation with FCO, for the Prime Minister, a back-

ground brief on UK/Hong Kong relations for defensive use and a

biographical note on Sir Lawrence.

4. Sir Lawrence has a strong commercial interest in the project.

However, he also sees it as having great political significance for

future UK/Hong Kong/China relations, as an indication of China's

willingness to maintain the present status of Hong Kong beyond 1997,

the expiry date of the New Territories lease.

5. We have, in the meantime, had an advance copy of the speaking notes

which Sir Lawrence will use for his call on the Prime Minister. There

is nothing in them which is not covered by the briefing now being sub-

However, the department is in touch with DOI to see whether

any supplementary briefing is required for the Prime Minister. We

will also ensure that they take account of any points arising from the

call on the LPS.

mitted.

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

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