TNAG-1498-FCO40-2056-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 65

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30 JUN 1986

INDEX

Private Secretary

HONG KONG: NUCLEAR SAFETY

File

187

FROM:

CO Hum

DATE:

27 June 1986

CC

PS/Mr Renton

PS/PUS

Sir W Harding

Mr Goodall

Mr Slater

Dr Wilson

Mr Masefield, FED

Mr Gordon, NED

1.

Since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster there has been

mounting concern

in Hong Kong about the planned

construction of a

nuclear power station in Guangdong province at Daya Bay, about 40 miles from the centre of the territory. The Secretary of State will recall that the

matter was raised with the Chinese during Hu Yaobang's

visit. They gave private and public reassurances which were helpful, but on very general lines.

2.

Anxiety in Hong Kong has continued to mount. It has found expression in the media, meetings and petitions. UMELCO members, in danger of being out-flanked by public opinion, have taken an increasingly activist and critical

stance. They have now asked

asked for an adjournment debate on

Daya Bay in LEGCO on 16 July: at least one member would have preferred a debate on a motion that the Hong Kong Government should withhold assistance to the project unless it was moved far enough away to allow an "escape route" to

the people of Hong Kong.

SECRET