Services and Information was questioned by reporters about the possibility of a 24 hour World Service relay after his return from a
visit to London in May 1988, two speculative and unhelpful articles
appeared in the press about the future of the BBC in Hong Kong and
the political implications. We would wish to avoid in future
drawing unnecessary attention to the 24 hour relay, which might
cause the issue to become a matter of public speculation and prompt a negative reaction from the Chinese. This point was made to others
in the BBC earlier this year but Mr Lack may not be aware of it.
7.
For these reasons I have recommended that the Secretary of State
accept the interview but that we ask the BBC not to treat the
programme as a fanfare for the new service. I suggest there is no
need for the Private Secretary to reply to the BBC's letter and that
the reply can go from this Department. I submit a draft.
OUTAAZ
Eslugh
CJ Ingham