FILE NOTE
Stuar
Mr Stuart 1/2
HONG KONG TV
Reference.
MW%12. 77.2.
HKK 13/9
64
No Wilford to see
Des 28/12
1. Mr Hugh Dundas, Managing Director of Rediffusion Limited, called on Mr Royle at 3 30 pm today.
2. Mr Royle told Mr Dundas that he had discussed Rediffusion's problems in Hong Kong and said he was sure Mr Dundas would be glad to hear that it had now been finally decided to issue tenders at the end of January. Although there might be a slight further slippage of a few days, it was unlikely to amount to much. He apologised for the fact that it had not been possible to stick to the December time- table but hoped that things would proceed satisfac- torily now. He was sure the appointment of one man, Mr Nigel Watt, to take charge of this issue, would improve matters.
3. Mr Dundas said that Mr Richard Denis of Redif- fusion had returned from Hong Kong this morning and had reported this to be the case. Although Redif- fussion would have been happier with an earlier date, they were glad at last to be coming up to the starting post. Mr Denis had been given to understand in Hong Kong that the contracts would still be issued in July. On that basis, if Rediffusion is successful in tendering for the second channel, they would hope to be on air in three months.
4. In reply to a question from Mr Royle as to what would happen if Rediffusion did not secure the contract, Mr Dundas said they would be in a good position to sell their assets. The company which did secure the tender would want to start operations as quickly as possible and Rediffusion ought to be able to sell them their equipment, studios and to pass on their tele- vision staff. Mr Dundas thanked Mr Royle for seeing him again and said he appreciated that Mr Royle would say no more at this stage.
P.M. Kessy
P M Kelly (Miss)
19 December 1972
DD 89726! 230443 500M 5/72 GM 3643/2