CO537-6578 — Page 33

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by the Department of Broadcasting of their transcription appears

to have been confined to music. Their films are now taken

out by their film units which are newer and better equipped

than those belonging to P.R.S. But they have not yet enough

vernacular films, nor have they organised commentary, for them

to have any great impact yet.

4.

There can be no criticism of their activities in spreading

a picture of their democratic way of life, except in a lack of

balance on information through the deficiencies of the British

services. The effect on British prestige is harmful:

(a) If the American style of service is so much better

than the British that comment is raised:

(b) If the volume of U.S. material compared with the

British is so great that Britain appears as a camp-

follower of the U.S.A.

(c) If the British ideas and institutions are taken

too much for granted as publicity inhibitions, surround them

which arround - no other matters, the people of

Malaya are entitled to assume that the british have

lost confidence in, or are ignorant of, their institutions

- and will take the appropriate one.

If harm comes from this, the blame will be on our own side.

Neither in policy nor in practice do the U.S.I.S. seek to shroud

British publicity: in fact they are perennially co-operative.

The answer is to accept the policy that the corollary of our

promise of self-government within the British Commonwealth is

to persuade the people of Malaya that the British political

orbit is congenial and her way of life a vital example, so that

her accession to self-government is a coming of age within the

family and not the breaking of bonds from a political prison.

More can be done, particularly by radio, to build for Malaya's

future within the Commonwealth.

GGT/JW

Public Relations Secretary,

Singapore.