TNAG-1497-FCO40-2055-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 219

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Antony Aclandlaziti 8 May 1986

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Heads of Department and above

CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR DISASTER:

2.

ORGANISATION OF WORK WITHIN THE FCO

1. It is now clear that the Chernobyl nuclear disaster will have considerable continuing ramifications. Initially, the main concerns related directly to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Now the emphasis is more on the consequences for domestic nuclear power policy and for the environment, as well as on international action in the nuclear policy field. We need to organise ourselves accordingly.

The main responsibility for coordination within Whitehall is now being undertaken by the Cabinet Office, through the Civil Contingency Unit (CCU), in which the FCO is participating. The Department of the Environment will be the lead department, but the Department of Energy will also have a key role to play. Within the FCO, two committees have been set up. One, chaired by Mr Gordon, will assemble the necessary technical expertise to advise Ministers. The other, chaired by Mr Ratford, will advise Ministers on policy and provide guidance to posts and to the public about overseas aspects of the crisis.

3.

As the emphasis shifts towards the functional aspects of the problem, and once the imminent changeover in the AUSS responsible for energy and environment questions is complete, it will probably make sense for responsibility to be handed over to the new AUSS, Mr Slater. But for the time being Mr Ratford will continue to chair the coordinating committee and will, as necessary, represent the FCO at Under-Secretary level at meetings of the Civil Contingency Unit, along with Mr Gordon.

4.

The FCO Departments mainly involved are NED, Soviet Department, EED, Consular Department, MAED, ECD (E) and News Department. Other Departments should nevertheless remain alert to possible implications for the crisis which may arise in their areas.

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