CO537-5142 — Page 188

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9.

over the service to the commercial company, or (c) financial aid to the domestic service from United Kingdom funds?

In deciding whether it would be advisable to hand over broadcasting in H/K to the commercial company, the following points seem to require consideration:-

(1) Would the company be able (or willing) to

undertake the broadcasts for China?

(ii) How would the Company's responsibility for

broadcasting fit in with the newly assumed responsibility of Cable and Wireless for the technical side of broadcasting in and from H/K?

(iii) How could such a transfer be reconciled with

the Secretary of State's circular despatch of 14th May, 1948, in which he deprecated any further concession of broadcasting rights to private commercial enterprise?

(iv) What would be the effect on other Colonial

Governments, particularly in Malaya, of such a move in the Colony where revenue from licences most nearly approaches operating costs?

Ofwaition.

Colonial Office.

27.6.49.