CO537-5142 — Page 144

conveying information in

Colony and beyond/I appreciate your

contention that Hong Kong is a small place for separate rediffusion

held that and broadcasting systems to operate, but if, in quieter times,

amalger dtion Lim the advantages of an amalgamation were to appear decisive, I would

insentive

things

т

much prefer to see the Government broadcasting service assume

responsibility for rediffusion than vice versa.

1

3. I am most anxious that every effort should be made to sustain

The change from improvised to

properly planned and constructed premises may be expected to lead to a general improvement of the service in Hong Kong as it has elsewhere

To this end I would be willing favourably in similar circumstances.

and improve the broadcasting service.

to consider a scheme for the contribution from United Kingdom funds of

5 a sum not exceeding $250,000, as suggested in paragraph.

LAT

of your savingram under reference.

This contribution would be made

from the £1 million, which as explained in my Confidential Circular

Jespatch of 29 March, 1949,

(copy attached at of this file)

front

I have made available from the

General Reserve under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act for

assisting the establishment or improvement of Colonial broadcasting services. It would be quite separate from any payment by His Majesty's Government of

the cost of special services undertaken by the Hong Kong Government,

decided

da to broadcast beyond the Colony itself, and should be considered independently. This £1 million is available subject to conditions which leave little scope for its application to recurring as distinct from capital costs. I imagine, however, that this is not a serious disadvantage in the case of Hong Kong, since it is the need for assistance in capital expenditure which you have stressed.

I have

also noted that the number of receiving licences in Hong Kong has recently shown a marked increase and I believe that no other Colonial territory has such good prospects of being able to cover the recurring cost of its broadcasting service from its licence revenue.

L.

I shall be grateful to have your comments as soon as possible.

it were

if it

SECER.