CO537-5132 — Page 136

SECRET

Mr. MacDonald

No. 455

Сид

on 96886/F/1/49

COPY

16

960321 (1)

TELEGRAM FROM SINGAPORE TO FOREIGN OFFICE

25th June, 1949.

Repeated to Hong Kong

Nanking Canton

Тор бестер

I feel that urgent consideration should be given to Hong Kong from point of view of anti-Communist propaganda.

2.

Rayner, who has recently visited Hong Kong, tells me that it is generally agreed there that present arrange- ments are unsatisfactory. It seems inevitable that Hang Kong will soon be the centre of at least a propaganda battle and will be the focal point for anti-Communist propaganda in the Far East. Public Relations Officer, Harman, is fully occupied with routine publicity of the Colony; moreover his special knowledge and admirablə qualifications are not altogether suited to the work we have in mind.

3.

Rayner tells me that it was agreed, in discussion with Harman, the Political Adviser, the Colonial Secretary and with the Governor, that the appointment of someone to undertake anti-communist propaganda is necessary; and the suggestion was made by the Governor that he should be the member of R.1.0. working in Hong Kong ostensibly for the purpose of liaison. I think this is a good idea, and hope that it will be possible to overcome any difficulties of co-operation that may arise. It occurs to me that if the British Information Services in China are, as seems likely, to be as hampered as they are elsewhere under Communist rule, some information officers might be able to do better work from outside China and a reshuffle or loan might be possible. (Please see in this connexion Tyrell's letter of June 16th to Stockley).

4. I am telegraphing separately about Hong Kong broad- casting set up, which seems also in need of urgent strengthening.

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