CO537-6564 — Page 28

SECRET

344

Regional Information Office,

Room 235,

Hong Kong Branch,

Hong Kong Bank Building,

HONG KONG.

17th November/1950.

C.

29 NOV 150

(41) 49

X

Dear Alington,

As a result of the discussion with yourself, Jook Murray and others, during my visit to Hong Kong, about the functions of the R.I.0. Hong Kong representative, I have tried to sumarise the basis on which Leslie Smith will work in future,

2. We are all agreed, I think, that since the R.1.0. Hong Kong office was established circumstances have changed, both politically

There is in Hong and from the point of view of information machinery. Kong at present no longer the need for vigorous counter-propaganda to Communism of the direot negative sort rather the contrary: such activities must be soft-pedalled; and secondly, there is the reorganisation of the Public Relations Office consequent on Murray's arrival and the reconsideration of the position of Radio Hong Kong.

3. It is necessary, then, to switch the emphasis in Leslie Smith's work from output to intake, so to speak; and I suggest that the simplest thing would be to take the duties of the Hong Kong representative of the R.1.0. as set out in para.3 of the directive agreed upon early this year (I am sorry I have not the reference easily available), in tu

4.

The duties are divided into five sub-paragraphs.

The first is:

(a) Dissemination of publicity to counter Chinese

Communist propaganda, particularly through the medium of the Chinese press in Hong Kong.

#

We are agreed, I think, that this aspect of Leslie Smith's work should for the time being fall into abeyance. He will always be ready, of course, if the need does again arise, to supply ammunition for such publicity; and if circumstances should arise where it is preferable for him to disseminate any particular material he will of course be prepared to do so. Similarly with the second and third sub-paragraphs which are:

"

(b) Provision of information to local publicists

to pasa on to their own public in their own

manner.

(0) Advising Radio Hong Kong on policy to counter

Chinese Communist propaganda and supplying them with guidance and material."

G.W. Aldington, Esq., O.B.E.,

Hon. Political Adviser,

Colonial Secretariat, HONG KONG

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