TNAG-1059-FCO40-1309-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-1981 — Page 166

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Mr Freat OR

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 166

RECEIVE

TRO. 51

JUN 1981

Mr McLaren

FRUSTRY

von Taken

их

Jin 68

代

27

GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION

1. I discussed this in Hong Kong with the Secretary for Economic

Services and the Governor.

Hong Kong are continuing to approach the

problem cautiously. A background paper is being prepared by Economic

Services which at present concentrates on the economic arguments for

and against the nuclear idea. Unfortunately, the balance sheet is

pretty even. In terms of cost it cannot be argued that nuclear power

would be substantially cheaper than a coal fired station. In addition to

this Hong Kong have to take into account the unknown quantity of whether

power supplies from China could be relied upon in all circumstances.

Nevertheless it is recognised that the political arguments for a

station are very strong and I am sure that any paper will be adjusted

to take this into account. Meanwhile of course, Hong Kong are waiting

2.

to see how matters develop with the Chinese and particularly with the

new French administration.

28 May 1981

Cc: Mr Morrice

Mr Roberts JNU

Blin

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL