TNAG-1291-FCO40-1643-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1985 — Page 18

RESTRICTED

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Thames House South, Millbank, LONDON, SW1P 4QJ

Telephone: Direct Line 01-211 - 5008

Switchboard 01-211 3000

6 January 1984

I R Kenyon Esq

Nuclear Energy Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Downing Street East

London

SW1

4 1

Dear Ian,

TAIWAN: POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE BY CEGB

Mr Plail telephoned me on 5 January to say that on behalf of John Collier (CEGB, Barnwood) he is developing ideas on how surplus manpower might be deployed over the next few years. One thought which had struck Mr Plail was that Taiwan held the CEGB in high regard and being a developing country might well have a need for some support. The work would not necessarily lie in the nuclear field, indeed it might be more likely to be on convent- ional plant. However Mr Plail recognised there is some sensitivity over working with Taiwan and did not want to go to far forward without taking a view from Government.

I told him that there would be sensitivities for example in Ashdown House, but from my point of view I could see no objections which would provide a certain block to any such activities by the CEGB. The situation was different from that in which BNFL find themselves; we would not expect there to be a need for an exchange of notes between Governments to cover the CEGB's work.

In conversation you told me that there may be general sensitivities over the relation between CEGB (which might be seen as a Government body) and Taiwan which could effect relations with the PRC and negotiations over Hong Kong.

Mr Plail will continue to develop ideas in a low key and if anything comes of them he will, I understand, approach the Department for advice. I should be grateful to know whether it would be better for me to tell him not to pursue the idea of co-operating with Taiwan, or whether we can leave a decision until some definite proposal is made.

GH Stevens Head of AE2

Ym

ever,

Caffrey