TNAG-1157-FCO40-1437-Visits-by-FCO-Ministers-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 110

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 6 TO 10 DECEMBER 1982

BRIEF NO.11: GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION PROJECT

POINTS TO MAKE

1.

[With Unofficials, Press etc] Discussions are still

continuing, but welcome the opportunity the project would afford

for strengthening co-operation between UK Hong Kong and China.

The recent discussions in London with Vice-Minister Li Peng were

most useful.

2.

we

[Defensive if raised] Fully support what the Governor

said on safety aspect in Legislative Council on 6 October: believe those involved will be responsible in their attitude to

safety, and we shall keep this issue under close and careful

review.

3.

[With Governor and Officials] Now quite clear that Chinese are concentrating on UK/French package, rather than UK/US one. Hong Kong is an important element in this. Li

Peng's recent visit to London was useful, but still some way to go before reaching agreement. Chinese have proposed further meetings in Peking and Hong Kong, probably in late January/early February.

4.

Hope that environmental objections to safety aspects do not become too vocal. Grateful to be kept informed of strength of local feeling, and of any sign of Chinese reaction to it.

CONFIDENTIAL