-15-
XIII.
XIV.
Publicity Media.
77.
There was a general discussion on the relative merits of the different media, and the majority opinion was that films are potentially by far the most effective, and broadcasting the least, with press, publications, etc., midway between the two.
78.
Film production was then discussed in detail from the standpoint of positive publicity and with particular reference to whether the emphasis should be on the projection of Britain and the Commonwealth or on simple instruction on
The technical and sociological subjects. majority view was that both types were needed, but that the latter was more acceptable.
79.
There was a general preference for films wish Asian actors and backgrounds, but there was difficulty in making them suitable for the whole area. The most widely acceptable would be Chinese or Malayan. Cartoon treatment, which successfully solves the problem of back- ground, was favoured by all representatives.
80.
Mr. Malcolm circulated a list of films already made and collected requests for vernacular versions of these, to be made with funds available in the current financial year.
He also collected opinions on subjects for the programme of 24 reels projected for 1951-52. It was accepted that the first two should be on "Trades Unions" and the "Colombo Plan".
81.
Lack of time prevented the Conference from discussing in detail the subjects of broad- casting and of questions connected with visitors to, and from, the United Kingdom. On the latter point, however, it emerged in the course of the Conference that the authorities at Singapore were very ready to give help to nationals of the foreign countries in South-East Asia who wish. to visit the Colony for purposes of technical study.
82.
Nor did time permit more than a rapid survey of the possibilities of propaganda directed towards special groups. It appeared however that some careful work might be done through the London parent-bodies of such local organisations as:- (1) The Institute of Surveyors (Singapore); (ii) Youth organisations affiliated to the World Youth Assembly (Federation of Malaya); (iii) Medical bodies (Siam); (iv) Bar Association (Burma).
Propaganda Intelligence,
83.
Mr. F.R.H. Murray said that there were two principal centres for the collection, treat- ment and redistribution of anti-communist propaganda intelligence, the Information Research
/Department.
...