not the reason, sively
over the issue of whether Cantonese could be broadcast. Mr Urwin
indicated that Hutchison were being somewhat coy about their plans
for Cantonese and did not want us to reveal his conversation with
Sir J Nott.
3. I told Mr Urwin that, subject to advice from Hong Kong
Department, we should be very happy if the BBC signed a commercial agreement with Hutchison and began transmitting their World Service
TV channel via Asiasat. In reply to my question, Mr Urwin said that
if the deal went through, the BBC would be in effect broadcasting
free of charge to the region in three languages. They would also
get a share of whatever profits were realised. The deal would
provide for 5 minutes news every hour, plus extended news bulletins at fixed intervals, and a daily English language teaching
programme, in addition to cultural and entertainment programmes.
Mr Urwin added that the contract was being drawn up over this
weekend.
1
Karina L. Harris
for
A D Harris