Mr MacInnes
Information Department (G3/3)
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 3061
HKに
RECEIVED @! AL-TRY NO. 31
10 JU 1981
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
Action Time
No
Mas
PGD13/2
28
PROPOSED BBC RELAY STATION IN HONG KONG
1.
I discussed this briefly with Mr Scott, Hong Kong Secretary for Information, on 10 July. This, however, preceded what I imagine would have been a much more substantial conversation with yourself.
2.
I explained that the Secretary of State had made clear to the Chairman of the BBC that it is not going to be easy to get a contribution out of Hong Kong and that there was no question of their paying in full. We also reserved to the FCO the right to make the next move. I suggested, however, that Hong Kong could well consider the benefits of a relay station. I referred to the possibility of their making use of the improved World Service signal to obtain material to replace the existing transcription service, although I realised that this would not happen for some years.
3.
Mr Scott said that of course this could be tried. He looked forward to discussing the transcription service question with you.
lle pointed out nevertheless that there were important political and presentational problems over the relay station, not least its probable size. He understood that the BBC might well have in mind three masts as much as 300 feet high each clearly aimed towards China. This would be very prominent, particularly if the eastern site at Che Ha were chosen between a well-frequented country park and the new development of Shatin.
4.
Mr Scott was also generally aware that there were other technical problems involved in the siting of a relay station and that consultation would be necessary on this (he volunteered this himself).
5.
We agreed that the relay station proposal would need very careful prior examination in London and very tactful presentation to Hong Kong if it were to be acceptable to Unofficials and others there. There is plenty of goodwill towards the idea in the higher reaches of the Hong Kong Government but they have public opinion and the Executive and Legislative Councils to take account of.
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
10 July 1981
cc Mr Flower, PUSD
Mr McLaren, FED
CONFIDENTIAL
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