turbines of up to 350 MW. Bechtel had given a presentation in
both Peking and Guangdong, and were particularly well received in
the latter location. Lord Kadoorie, Michael Kadoorie, Mr Stones and
Sir Sidney Gordon had all been invited to Peking before the end of
the year. Finally, on the Hong Kong side Exco had approved the
purchase by CLP of electricity from the nuclear power station
provided that it were no more expensive than that which could be
generated locally.
Mr Manzie then invited Mr Stones to give his views on the current
status of the project. Mr Stones opened by saying that it would be
a mistake to exaggerate the significance of the reception given to
Bechtel. The Chinese had an insatiable appetite for modern technology
and would happily listen to anybody who would address them. What
was more important, though, was the absence of Chen Gang and the
Peking nuclear experts from the presentation.
Mr Stones then said
that the feasibility report was under consideration by a number of
study groups, each of which was headed by a Vice: Minister, which
indicated the importance being attached to this project in Peking.
A number of questions had been put by the Chinese to CLP, who had
submitted papers in response; Mr Stones himself had written a paper
on the negotiated package approach to contracting and he expected
that the Chinese would negotiate with GEC to supply the conventional
island. He then indicated that he considered the nuclear island
supplier would be selected by CLP and the central authorities in
Peking, and once decisions of principle had been taken in Peking,
the implementation of the project would be pasto Guangdong who
would be supported by CLP. Mr Stones did not share Lord Kadoorie's
view that the invitation to Peking was to receive a decision from
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