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overdoing the pessimism, they are even wondering if
Mr Murdoch might contrive to dump them sooner and take the legal consequences. As a precaution they have begun to investigate alternative arrangements with other potential
partners.
3.
In public WSTV say they want to keep a very tight lip as they have no wish to risk making matters worse by expressing doubts about Star's new management and their future relationship with the company. They tell us however that this issue is causing concern at the highest levels of the Corporation, which may possibly result in some approach to Ministers though WSTV themselves do not see that there is any action which the FCO or the Government could usefully take at this stage. If the worst does come to the worst WSTV may ask for official assistance in some form or other to enable them to maintain the service. They will keep us informed of any new developments, favourable or unfavourable.
Garvey
RHG Davies
Separate copies:
Heads of:
Private Secretary
FED
PS/Mr Goodlad
HKD
PS/Mr Lennox-Boyd
SEAD
SAD
MED
Mr Hum
Mr Masefield
Sir M Burton
Mr Alston o.r.
News Department
Mr Harris o.r.
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