CONFIDENTIAL
3-
13.
Cheng has shown himself able to do this and the Unit simply must have a radio man of his calibre. Although considerably junior Michael Kaye has demonstrated that he has exactly the kind of brain and the creative talents to turn loose on the problems which now confront us in the propaganda field, together with the technique to produce from his ideas useful broadcasting material. He, like Cheng must be retained,
14.
Wong, is as far as I am able to judge, a competent radio man but I doubt whether it makes much difference that he is seconded to the Unit rather than retained at Radio Hong Kong. The idea of the broadcasting component must be to get things done which could not be done merely by liaising with and stimulating the production facilities of Radio Hong Kong. This could probably be done by retaining Cheng and Kaye (at a more suitable grade, say Programme Officer) and by returning Wong to RHK.
15.
It is essential to retain the small and useful team built up to produce fast transcriptions of radio material for press issue.
16.
Undoubtedly the most imaginative part of the construction of the SPU was the addition of the SCA Unit. It made available for propaganda work both new channels for communication and new sources of information on public attitudes. The most fortunate move of all was the posting of David Lai Kar-wah. It would have been difficult to find an officer more suited for this work and he has displayed tremendous energy, enthusiasm and ability. These qualities would not, however, be notable in this context if they were not at the service of a highly-developed political sense. Lai brought with him from SCA a Liaison Officer Class One, Chan Hon-kwong and a Liaison Officer Class Two, Cheng Pak-nin.
17.
It is difficult to disassociate the value of the SCA component of SPU from the personal energy and initiative of David Lai. Provided that the essential link with SCA and his machinery can be maintained the Unit could probably drop both Liaison Officers but this would in fact sever the link. It is suggested therefore that the L.0. I, Chan be retained, and of course David Lai who will henceforth be a key figure in the SPU.
18.
The attachment of a police officer, Inspector Chau Kun-to was originally little more than a convenience so that the police members of the Publicity Committee could retain daily liaison with the Unit. In fact Inspector Chau has proved to be an active member of the Unit. It is not only convenient to have a police officer attached to the Unit to facilitate press and similar arrangements. There is the much greater advantage, as in the case of Mr. Lai, having a man whose wide contacts open up possibilities for the effective expansion of propaganda work and it would certainly be desirable to retain Inspector Chau's services on a permanent basis.
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