TNAG-0289-FCO40-325-Departmental-briefs-on-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 43

CONFIDENTIAL

(c)

Comments

(i) Operational

The information exercise in India has recently

undergone a major overhaul, consequent upon a

thorough-going investigation by the post, which

was endorsed by Departments concerned. It is

considered that activities are now at a minimum

level commensurate with the tasks involved.

further economies of a major nature are

No

recommended, with the possible exception of the

UK-based staff in New Delhi, where there may be

room for a further reduction by rationalisation

of the work concerned.

The post is to be inspected later this year.

(ii) Future Developments

There are no foreseeable events which might

involve increased activity or expenditure.

(iii) British Council and BBC

British Council spends nearly twice as much in

India as in any other country. The Representative

however, in his last Report, maintains that this

nevertheless amounts to less per head of the

population than any other country in which the

Council operates.

BBC is regarded as a medium

of great importance to us in India.

Expenditure involved by BBC is £48,000 Hindi

and Tamil_7

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CONFIDENTIAL