TNAG-1499-FCO40-2057-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 136

JA2AOE

SECRET

IND

Private Secretary

Sourray A

Как

HONG KONG: NUCLEAR SAFETY

FROM:

Thanko zan

CO Hum

1988

DATE: 27 June 198

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 а 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 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