TNAG-0071-FCO40-107-Disturbances-in-Hong-Kong-propaganda-1969 — Page 34

HWB 13/22

19 March, 1968.

1

86

3/25)

Se

We have followed with sympathy the exchange of letters between yourself and Lord Hill concerning the B.B.C's television programme on 9 January about Hong Kong.

We fully share your views about the programme and were about to put up to Lord Shepherd, for his signature, a letter to Lord Hill in support of your views when a copy of the latter's reply to you was received. This we regard as a quite unhelpful and inadequate effort to answer your points; to our mind it was obviously the work of the B.B.C. officials. After discussion between the Minister and Arthur Galsworthy it was decided that since a letter from the Minister might meet the same fate it would be better for him not to write to Lord Hill but to put his views over in person at an early opportunity. Accordingly it has been decided that Lord Shepherd should try and raise this matter directly with Lord Hill next time they meet in the House of Lords.

I thought you would like to know this in case you had any doubts that, because of our silence, Ministers were not prepared to back you in your criticisms of the B.B.C's handling of Hong Kong.

PA

A6

25, 3,62.

SIR DAVID TRENCH, K.C.M.G., M.C.

(H.P. Hall)