TNAG-2751-FCO40-3966-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-Hong-Kong-interests-1993 — Page 9

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

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DISCUSSION OF SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT AT JLG

Present Position

Director of HKMAO, Lu Ping, has been quoted as saying that the river project would need to be discussed by the JLG because of the differences between the two sides over the timing for implementation of the project. Lu was further quoted as saying that the Environmental Review which was carried out by the Chinese side and passed to the Hong Kong side 4 years ago should be adequate. There should be no need for a full EIA.

Line to Take

Like

the Chinese side, we want to complete the project as rapidly as possible. Very much in Hong Kong's interest, as we

saw over the flooding caused by Typhoon Dot. But this is a complicated project. It will have a major environmental impact, for example possibly on the unique Mai Po wetlands. We would not

be responsible if we did not assess this thoroughly before large-scale work starts.

to

Environmental Impact Assessment about to start in

December. The 1985/6 study by the Shenzhen side provides useful

basic data, but is not a substitute for the EIA: it does not

assess the likely environmental effects of the project. However,

in order

make progress as quickly as possible, we have asked consultant to complete a preliminary report six months after commencement of the study (ie. June 1994). If, as we hope, this is favourable, we will be able to bring forward the stage I

works, to commence ahead of the completion of the full EIA.

the ΕΙΑ

The river project is of course not a matter related to the

implementation of the Joint Declaration or to the smooth transfer

of Government in 1997. It is a matter between Hong Kong and

Shenzhen, not the UK and China. The JLG is therefore not the

right forum in which to discuss it. Discussion of this project

already takes place in the Joint Shenzhen/Hong Kong Working Group

set up for this

That is the right forum to take the

project

purpose.

forward. We have already proposed to the Shenzhen side

to bring forward the next Joint Working Group meeting to consider

what scope there may be for accelerating the various preparatory

works in progress. Discussions are now taking place to determine the date for the meeting.

SO'd

BSOL TZS 298+

(59) 3013 S. AUNDBO

62:01 SEAT-MON-II

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