CODE 18-77
2014/10
Morri
Mr Morris (HKGD
WH 312)
Hier 026/5
ник
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO FAR EAST
я
Reference
paristus
W
Enter a
1. I mentioned to you yesterday the possibility that the reference in the PM's statement to her stopover in Delhi might prompt questions on the Orissa Steel Plant project.
2.
The following supplementaries and background note have been cleared with the Department of Trade:
Q. What are the prospects for UK participation in the
Orissa steel project?
A.
Q.
A.
We have indicated to the Government of India our desire for continued UK collaboration in this project.
Why help developing countries to build new steel making capacity when the European steel industry is in decline?
343
14/10
It is only in developing countries that new steel making capacity is being developed to meet expanding domestic demand. If the Government of India decides to proceed with this project it is better for the UK to have as much as possible of the work carried out by British industry.
BACKGROUND NOTE
The Prime Minister and Mrs Gandhi discussed on 29 September how the UK might continue to participate in the Orissa steel project following the breakdown of contract negotiations with Davy in May. It was agreed that BSC and the Indians should hold discussions about which parts of the steel plant should be supplied by UK industry. Initial talks took place on 15 October. It was also agreed that for the present details of this accord should not be released to the press.
Statayan
27
G Finlayson South Asian Dept
W134a
01 233 4162
13 October 1982
Page 30Page 31
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.