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cooperation. He was encouraged by the forthcoming launch of Skyne by Ariane, by the France/UK gas connection and by progress on the Guangdong project. In current circumstances he saw no prospect of an early conclusion to the Sizewell enquiry.
He said that
limitations on French exports to the UK of off-shore oil drilling
Mr Ratford said: on the equipment remained a potential problem.
Channel Fixed Link, despite UK press speculation, parliamentary procedures for treaty ratification were on course: on Guangdong he hoped that British firms would get a fair share of the business (M Plaisant said that the French side envisaged a well balanced division of orders): on the gas link economic factors were crucial.
Airbus
10. M Plaisant said that France was keen to develop the Airbus family. Mr Ratford agreed in principle but said that studies must show that normal criteria were met. Only then could Government launch aid be considered. M Plaisant said no decision had been taken by the French on launch aid, but referred to US political support for Boeing.
International Radio Regulation
11. Mr Ratford said that differences of view within the French administration were causing problems for technical liaison in coordinating the use of radio frequencies. He passed over letters on the subject, and M Plaisant agreed to help resolve the problem.
Telecommunications
12. Mr Ratford referred to prospects for cooperation and hoped that M Longuet would visit Mr Butcher. M Plaisant agreed.
Meat Consignments
13.
Mr Ratford thanked M Plaisant for French help in resolving the problem of compensation for British meat consignments damaged in the
Manche in May 1983.
Defence
14. Mr Ratford hoped that existing good contacts could be further developed. He hoped that the problem of visits by nuclear powered warships could be resolved. M Plaisant and M Gérard said that the
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