Thompson, and Mr Brown was to send a telex (Action).
Mr Ranson said that he was becoming increasingly concerned that the
project seemed to be gaining its own momentum without any of the financial
considerations having been seriously reviewed; although Ministers should
not be approached too early, and possible cause it undue concern over
the potential long-term commitment, nor should they be mancouvred into
a position where they have no choice but to accept. Mr Ranson continued
that although information on the extent of UK supply, rates of interest
and period of loan, must be treated with considerable reserve,
it was
necessary for GEC to put in at least a tentative enquiry to ECGD.
Mr Manzie accepted the necessity of doing so, but the meeting nevertheless
felt that it would be the French who had set the lead. Mr Manzie also
commented that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had requested a paper
on equity, which was still outstanding (ACTJW).
(ACTION)
There were still some safety issues unresolved. Mr Manzie said that
that he felt obliged to keep Dr Marshall fully in the picture, as the
future role of the UKAEA was still undecided. Mr Clift said that he
was going to Hong Kong the following week, and that he would discuss
the outstanding safety question with the Governor.
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