(a)
FOREIGN OFFICE,
17, Carlton House Terrace,
London. S. W. 1.
17th February, 1948
Confidential
PFC 258/258/961
Dear Whitley,
'83
Thank you for your letter Ref. 96384/15/48 of 5th 'ebruary addressed to Ralph Murray on the subject of broad- casting from Hong Kong.
We are anxious of course to give our support to any schemes which will further the projection of Britain in China.
During my recent visit to the Far East I had long talks at Hong Kong with all concerned in broadcasting from the Colony.
In our view broadcasting into China from Hong Kong
on short waves might have drawbacks.
•
If Hong Kong were to concentrate on their medium wave broadcasts the Chinese would interpret this as simply improving facilities within the Colony. But if they embarked on short-wave broadcasting, the Chinese might well accuse us of using Hong Kong for political purposes in China. Further the Voice of Britain Station at Singapore will in any case be putting a powerful signal into China on short wave in due
course.
Therefore from our point of view it would be more helpful if Hong Kong thought in terms of developing their medium-wave facilities, rather than starting short-wave broadcasts using tropical bands.
0. J. Thitley, Esq.,
Information Department, Colonial Office,
Palace Chambers,
F
/In these
Bridge St., 3.7.1.
- CB1948
CO
9
Page 335Page 336