TNAG-1498-FCO40-2056-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 34

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A

B

C

3.

The Governor has now proposed to us a long-term strategy designed to allay public fears in Hong Kong (Hong

Kong Telno 1936). In subsequent telegram (Hong Kong

Telno 1973) he has sounded a note of greater alarm,

referring to the political benefits that could be obtained

in Hong Kong if the Chinese were to decide now to move the

project from Daya Bay or to convert it to a thermal station. Sir R Evans has reacted strongly, pointing to the

very serious costs involved vis-a-vis the Chinese and

French Governments (Peking Telno 1116).

4.

Our immediate task must be two-fold:

(a)

(b)

5.

to reassure the Governor, and the Hong Kong

Government, that HMG and the French Government are

doing everything possible both to bring home to the

Chinese the extent and implications of Hong Kong

concerns, and to encourage them to respond by

demonstrating the highest commitment to safety

considerations;

to assist the Hong Kong Government in allaying

public concern within the territory.

We discussed this at the DTI this morning.

Mr Benjamin, the DTI Under-Secretary who coordinates the

Government's approach to the Daya Bay project, has already

discussed with the French Government and the French nuclear

industry what can be done. He is fully seized of the Hong

Kong dimension and found the French ready to help in every

way.

6.

We shall be sending a telegram to the Governor this

evening setting out a response to his proposed long-term strategy. We are doing almost all he

he proposes, and more

besides. The first steps will be:

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