COLONIAL
OFFICE
Tel.: WHitehall 2366
Extension...........
Your Reference...................................................................
My Reference 96834/15/49
Draft
To be re-tyfed COLONIAL OFFICE
SANCTUARY BUILDINGS
GREAT SMITH STREET
S.W.I
May, 1949
You will have noticed that the Prime Minister in the Debate on China on 5th May and Mr. Rees-Williams at Question Time on 4th May were both pressed on the subject of broadcasting to China from Hong Kong. We feel that by being more or less forced to refer to the current project in reply to demands for broadcasts to China Ministers are likely to damage the 'cover' which it is desired to maintain over it, without being able to say enough to satisfy Members and thus prevent further pressure.
It has been suggested that the C.I.P. Committee might appropriately be asked to consider what official line should be taken in these circumstances. As you have been away, we have used the time in drafting a memorandum in which we have endeavoured to set out the main complications in this issue. I enclose two copies and would be glad to have your views. We think the General Post Office should see the draft, if you agree, before it is circulated, memorandum in draft and we propose to send them a loty as soon as we hear that You agree.
Yours sincerely,
RALPH MURRAY ESQ.,
(W. S. Morgan)
Head of Information Services Branch