DSR 11C
14- It is unrealistic to expect a detailed discussion.
the aim should be to reaffirm at the highest level our
expectation that in this project
on the Hong Kong connection
least as well as the French.
J
But
which depends for its viability
UK interests should be treated at
President Giscard felt confident
enough of the assurances he had received in October to announce
publicly that France had been promised the first nuclear station
in China. Ideally Lord Carrington would be able to announce,
after his talk with Zhao, that the UK had been promised a
substantial part of the project, including if possible (a)
conventional island, (b) share of the balance of nuclear plant
(BONP) [ie equipment ancilliary to the nuclear steam supply
system (NSSS)], and (c) share of the nuclear fuel supply.
In practice the Chinese are unlikely to give any such specific
undertakings but it will be important to squeeze the maximum
possible commitment from them. In doing so Lord Carrington may
wish in particular to stress the Hong Kong connection, our
firms'
readiness to work with any nuclear supplier,
and HMG's readiness to match financial terms on offer elsewhere.
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