TNAG-1504-FCO40-2062-Guangdong-nuclear-power-station-project-at-Daya-Bay-safety-c-1986 — Page 91

SEP 09 '86 16:01 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT

م

ស

P.3

属

The anti-nuclear campaign has caused change

to the nature of the problem

As far as China is concerned, the biggest problem is how to maintain Hong Kong people's 'confidence' and its 'prestige' at the same time. Development of nuclear power is a state policy that China has already established, so it cannot be changed. Should the nuclear power plant be built at Daya Bay or some other place and should the contracts be signed in mid-September or some time several months later. Though there would be some adverse effects economically if the nuclear power plant is built somewhere else instead of at Days Bay and the contracts are signed several months later, it is not impossible in principle. The question is whether China considers there is the need.

But, in face of the strong anti-nuclear campaign and the 'public opinion' of the signatures of over a million people, the problem at once changes in nature. From the viewpoint of the Chinese Government, the anti-nuclear body is intimidating China and forcing China to give in and change the Daya Bay project. If China gives in, it would mean that the communist Chinese authority is swayed by these people. And what cannot be tolerated is that the party which is the top organization representing 'people's wishes' lets others insist that it is they who truly represent public opinion. If communist China compromises in the Daya Bay incident, its prestige as a ruler would be greatly affected. And, it will be a

Therefore, worry that people might pay no heed to its orders in future. FUNG Chi-wood and his ilk should be treated sternly so that they dare not 'attempt to demand a certain status or treatment with the signatures they have collected and even become arrogant and conceited' as what the editorial of Ta Kung Pao dated 20.8.1986 commented.

However, on the other hand, China is well aware that though not everyone in Hongkong is affected by the 'nuclear panic', many people in

And what people the territory have a deep-rooted 'fear of communism'.

fear most is the communist regime's despotism and disregard for public opinion. If the anti-nuclear campaign is suppressed, the people of Hongkong would inevitably be more pessimistic about the changes after 1997.

How the

/....