TNAG-1059-FCO40-1309-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-1981 — Page 160

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NOTES OF MEETING WITH CHINA LIGHT AND POWER LIMITED TO DISCUSS THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION PROJECT HELD AT ASHDOWN HOUSE ON

5 MAY 1981

Present: Mr A G Manzie, Chairman

Mr W Stones, China Light and Power Mr R Brooks, CLP

HKK 166/1

Mr R McLaren, FED, FCO

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Mr R Clift, HKG FCO

Mr M Roberts, JNU FCO

Mr G Stevens, Department of Energy

Mr R Ranson, ECGD

Mr C Benjamin, PEP/Trade

Mr A J Havelock

Mr R A Brown

Mr N R Brice

مند

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$2.

The meeting was held to enable Mr Stones to meet with the team of Whitehall officials most closely connected with the project and to allow an exchange of views on the project and its future.

Britain

Mr McLaren opened by reporting on the visit of the Secretary of State for

receiving Foreign Affairs to Peking; before that visit, we had been conflicting reports from China and the unfortunate cancellation of Mr Parkinson's visit meant that there had been no opportunity to put HMG's interest before

When the Foreign Secretary the Chinese in advance of Lord Carrington's arrival. called on the Chinese Prime Minister, Mr Zhao Xiyong, he referred to the latter's remarks indicating that the energy sector would receive priority during the economic readjustment. The Foreign Secretary said that the Guangdong project would be of value both to China and Hong Kong; naturally had a considerable interest in the project because it involved

The Prime Minister said that the Hong Kong/UK as well as UK/China relations. nuclear project proposed by the Guangdong Provincial Authorities enjoyed the support of the central Government but that the feasibility studies had not yet been completed and there were outstanding technical problems to be resolved. The Prime Minister said that he hoped that all the countries concerned would compete for contracts when the questions of equipment suppliers came to be considered and that the UK would participate.