TRADE FAIR
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The importance of participation has been urged in past years on political grounds by Her Majesty's Embassy in Damascus. The Board of Trade and Industry have hitherto regarded this event as of little trade promotional value, but the Federation of British Industries are understood to be reviewing this judgment. They could probably be persuaded to arrange for the erection of a British Pavilion and to encourage British firms to rent space if £10,000 could be provided towards the cost of an official stand. The next fair is not due until 1956, but preparation for it should be begun as soon as possible.
4. " AL'AALAM
"
Cost
£10,000
The circulation of this popular illustrated magazine (Picture Post type) produced in Arabic by the Central Office of Information could be increased, and if air freight could be used instead of slower means of transport, for despatch of copies when printed to Middle East posts for distribution, up-to-date comments on topical events could be included.
Cost will require investigation with the Central Office of Information.
5. ARABIC PAMPHLETS AND PUBLICATIONS
An increase in the amount of material produced by the Regional Information Office in Beirut should be discussed as soon as possible with that office and the Central Office of Information.
6. BROADCASTING
B.--Projects Requiring Further Study
The development of medium-wave listening in the Middle East has already caused examination to be given to establishment of a medium-wave relay transmitter within range of the Middle East. It is estimated that to build in Cyprus-
(a) a 20 kW. relay would cost about £53,000; (b) a 100 kW. relay would cost about £76,000.
Range of (1) would be limited to Egypt (not very loud), Lebanon and Syria; that of (2) would extend to Iraq. An alternative site but more expensive, would be Kuwait. The more powerful transmitter is recommended. Installation should take about 18 months from authorisation of expenditure.
7. FILMS
Cost
£76,000
Restricted financial resources have compelled the Central Office of Information to concentrate on the production or acquisition of films suitable for general use through the world. Such films are rarely well adapted to Arab tastes which ideally require incorporation of material about the Arab countries. Initially the sum of £20,000 might be set aside for making two or three films specially for showing in the Middle East. If they prove successful more could be allocated in following years. A twenty-minute documentary costs about £4,000 to £5,000: if material were
"shot" in the Middle East for inclusion the cost would increase to about £6,000 to £7,000.
8. TELEVISION
Cost
£20,000
The acquisition by the Iraq Government of a transmitting station and the possibility that the Egyptians may emulate this step means that we should be ready to exploit this medium, though numbers reached will at first be small, and the region is really hardly ready for a large-scale development of television. The question of advice for the Iraqis in programming is being currently explored with H.M. Embassy in Bagdad. Production from B.B.C./I.T.A. material of a television newsreel might be investigated.
9. TOURS AND VISITS
(a) Information Policy Department run an annual programme of tours of the United Kingdom by journalists, trade unionists and, with Treasury agreement, other persons" capable of influencing public opinion." An increase in the number
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